Ranikor battle set to be between UDP & NPP

MAWKYRWAT: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has downplayed the threat posed by former PDF candidate PN Syiem and said the fight in the Ranikor by-poll will be between NPP’s Martin M Danggo and its candidate Pius Marwein.
Speaking to media persons after Marwein filed his nomination papers on Saturday at the office of the deputy commissioner here, UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said, “The fight for Ranikor by-poll will only be between Marwein and Danggo and this time we are sure of winning the election.”
“In the last Assembly election, Marwein was close to winning the election and this time we are very confident of winning the by-election because many supporters of other political parties have also extended their support to the party,” he added.
Speaking about Syiem who projected himself as the common candidate for the by-election, Mawthoh said the party was very happy with the idea of having a common candidate to take on Danggo.
“However, if you properly judge, you will see that it is Marwein who is a common candidate because he has the support of many different groups,” he added.
Mawthoh also informed that the party had requested Syiem to support Marwein, a strong candidate who came second in the last election and who has high chances of winning the upcoming election.
Meanwhile, Marwein said the party has prepared well and is confident of winning.
“We never thought that we will get another chance to contest the election in just few months. This time we have prepared well and we will win the election,” he added.