SHILLONG: The stage is set and the battle lines are drawn as more than 10 lakh tribal population of Meghalaya would vote to choose their MDCs for the 29 seats each in KHADC and JHADC on Wednesday.
After intensive campaigning, the judgment day has finally come and candidates representing various political parties would be hoping to receive the blessings of the electorates when voting takes place for the two autonomous District Councils
In KHADC, there are altogether 1433 polling stations with a total voter of 828774.
Altogether 130 candidates are contesting the election from different political parties. The HSPDP has fielded candidates from 13 constituencies while the Congress is contesting in all the 29 seats.
The new entrant JD (U) is contesting from two seats while KHNAM will try its luck in eight seats. The NPP which is heading the Government in Meghalaya is contesting the elections from 18 constituencies while PDF will fight the battle in 15 seats.
The UDP,a strong regional force in Meghalaya is contesting 26 seats while there are 19 independents as well who are trying their luck.
In constituencies like Mawhati, umroi , Sohra and Mawkhar – Pynthorumkhrah, there are seven candidates who are contesting the election while in Mairang Nongkhlaw constituency, there are only two candidates.
As far as JHADC is concerned, altogether 251514 voters will exercise their franchise in 408 polling stations to decide the fate of 101 candidates.
Here, HSPDP is contesting only in one seat whereas Congress is fielding candidates in 18 seats. The NPP is fielding candidates in 28 seats while PDF will contest in nine seats. The UDP will contest the election from 26 seats while there are as many as 19 independent candidates.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the state including the capital city of Shillong in view of the MDC elections
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Matsiewdor War Nongbri said that everything was in place and all the polling teams have reached their polling stations
She also said that as far as security is concern, everything was in order and she had a detailed meeting with district police in the last couple of days to ensure that security was in place during the elections as well as the counting.
The counting of votes will take place on March 2.
