Nongstoin by-poll: EC, State govt draw flak

SHILLONG: The Election Commission of India and the State Government have come under fire for the sudden announcement of Nongstoin by-poll in the context of allegedly not respecting Khasi sentiments of mourning  which extends to a period of at least a month.
It was on September 26 that sitting legislator Hoping Stone Lyngdoh passed away leaving the seat vacant and the late leader was laid to rest on September 29, while the announcement of the by-poll was made on October 21.
“We are puzzled over the sudden announcement of the by poll without consultation from any quarters. It appears that the State Government which gave feed back to the Election Commission did not respect the Khasi sentiments as there is mourning period  for a month and apparently there is total disregard for the departed leader”, UDP general secretary Allan Dkhar said.
A Congress legislator who does not want to be quoted also echoed the same by stating that the announcement of election was not timely as the people of Nongstoin are still mourning.
The State Election Department and the political parties had earlier hoped that since there is a duration of six months, the by election would be held sometime in February-March.
An official of the state election department had earlier said that the department hoped that the by-poll election would be held sometime in February-March after the update of the electoral rolls with new enrollment of voters, the process  of which is currently underway till January next.
With the announcement of by-poll on October 21, there is hardly one month left for the preparation of the election as the polling is on November 21 and the filing of nominations will start from Wednesday next ( October 28) . Only a week’s time was given for filing of nominations by the candidates as the last date is November 4.