‘Open’ battle field for four MLAs in 2018

SHILLONG: The seat-sharing arrangement of allies UDP and HSPDP for the 2018 Assembly elections was announced on Wednesday with the former taking the lion’s share.
The co-ordination committee of the UDP-HSPDP alliance, which met here on Wednesday, decided that out of the 36 seats, 17 free seats will go to UDP and 10 free seats will go to HSPDP.
Besides, there are nine open seats where both the parties will contest the elections.
Kara Shen, secretary of committee, said UDP will contest from Khliehriat, Amlarem, Jowai, Raliang, Nartiang, Mawsynram, Shella, Pynursla, Nongthymmai, East Shillong, West Shillong, Mawlai, Umsning, Mawhati, Nongpoh, Ranikor and Mairang.
HSPDP will field candidates from Sutnga-Saipung, Nongkrem, Mylliem, Mawphlang, South Shillong, Pynthorumkhrah, Jirang, Nongstoin, Rambrai-Jyrngam and Mawkyrwat.
The open seats are Mowkaiaw, North Shillong, Mawthadraishan, Mawshynrut, Mawryngkneng, Sohiong, Umroi, Sohra and Mawkynrew, Shen said.
The pre-poll alliance between the regional parties was announced earlier this year to jointly contest the 2018 Assembly elections.
UDP has also invited KHNAM to be a part of the alliance.
It is also in the process of chalking out similar seat-sharing arrangement with the Garo National Council for contesting 24 seats in Garo Hills.