Simultaneous polls likely for Ranikor, South Tura

SHILLONG: By-polls to Ranikor and South Tura seats are likely to be held simultaneously.
After the Assembly notified the vacant seat of South Tura following the resignation of Agatha Sangma, Chief Electoral Officer F.R Kharkongor said he had intimated the matter to the Election Commission and the latter acknowledged the receipt of the same on Monday evening.
Earlier, after M.M Danggo resigned from Ranikor on June 21, it was notified as a vacant seat.
“Now, the Election Commission will take a decision on the by-polls,” Kharkongor said.
When asked whether the two by-polls will be held simultaneously, the chief electoral officer said it was up to the poll panel to take a decision. He, however, said there is urgency to complete the election process in South Tura compared to Ranikor since the chief minister will have to get elected before September 6, within six months, after he was sworn in on March 6.
Deputy Speaker Timothy Shira said it will be convenient to hold both the by-polls simultaneously.