SHILLONG: The exact number of candidates who will remain in the fray for February 24 elections for KHADC and JHADC will emerge on Wednesday, the last day of withdrawal of nominations.
Altogether 242 candidates have filed their nominations for elections to the two district councils.
A total number of 123 candidates including 12 women filed their nominations for KHADC polls, while a total number of 101 candidates including two women filed their nominations for JHADC polls.
The finalisation and publication of valid nominations and the allocation of symbols to eligible candidates will be held on February 13.
Meanwhile, the East Khasi Hills district administration has sought additional forces from the police headquarters for smooth conduct of upcoming election of the KHADC.
Informing this here on Tuesday, East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkrang admitted that the district police did not have enough man power to oversee the election. Kharkrang was speaking to reporters after a meeting of the election officers convened by the Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal on Tuesday.
“We would try to manage with whatever force we have at our disposal. But I have been assured by the police headquarters that additional forces would be provided,” East Khasi Hills SP said. Informing on the precautions adopted by police to prevent any untoward incident during the polls, Kharkrang said that his department has strengthened its intelligence inputs gathering mechanism.
“We have also geared up to tackle any possibility of booth capturing,” Kharkrang said.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said that the district administration has taken all possible steps to ensure a free and fair election.
Various sensitive areas have been identified, he said adding that the sectoral officers have been directed to deal any law and order problem with firm hand.