Over 230 candidates for council polls; 3.5 pc women

SHILLONG: As many as 230 candidates are contesting the district council elections with only 3.5 per cent women.
In KHADC, the total number of candidates is 131 and seven are women. While the Congress has fielded candidates in all the 29 constituencies, the UDP and NPP have 26 and 18 candidates, respectively.
The other regional partners in the alliance government, PDF and HSPDP, have 15 and 13 candidates, respectively.
The number of independent candidates is 18.
The women candidates for the election to the KHADC are Rona Khymdeit, Amanda Annette Pakyntein who is a first-timer, Rebecca Kharmujai, Grace Mary Kharpuri, Teilinia Thangkhiew, Saralinda Kharlukhi and Badariti Lyngdoh Nonglait.
The representation of women in the JHADC is abysmal with only one candidate, Violet Lyngdoh, among 29.
The Congress, which is contesting all the KHADC seats, has fielded only 17 candidates in Jaintia Hills. A more confident NPP has fielded 27 candidates and the UDP 26.
Another ally PDF is contesting from nine constituencies. HSPDP is contesting one seat, Barato-Mukroh, and its candidate is Currentis Rabon. There are 19 independent candidates in the JHADC election.
Allotment of symbols to independents will be on Monday. The elections are scheduled for February 27.