SHILLONG, Dec 4: UDP working president and KHADC MDC, Titosstarwell Chyne, on Wednesday dismissed claims that the Voice of the People Party (VPP) would sweep the upcoming district council elections, emphasising that success depends largely on the candidates.
“As I have said before, the election of MDCs and MLAs is totally different. It depends on the candidates in their respective constituencies,” Chyne said.
He elaborated, “Each constituency is unique, and voters choose their MDCs based on individual performance, personality, and other factors.”
When asked if the VPP was likely to sweep the polls, as some narratives suggest, Chyne said, “I don’t see that happening.”
Earlier, the VPP, while announcing its list of candidates, had expressed confidence in its performance. The party stated that people are eager for improvements in the political system, better functioning of the government, and greater alignment with public interests. The VPP, committed to these goals, believes it is well-positioned to perform strongly in the upcoming ADC polls.
This year’s ADC elections for the KHADC and the JHADC have drawn significant attention, especially with the VPP being a new entrant to the political landscape.
UDP in final stages of candidate finalisation
Meanwhile, the UDP is in the final stages of finalising its candidates for the KHADC and JHADC elections. According to Chyne, about 70% of the candidates will be announced by December 13 in the first list.
“We are almost done. The first list will be declared on December 13. Everything is nearly finalised, except for a slight delay in West Jaintia Hills due to delays in the application submission process,” Chyne said.
When asked about a potential second list, he said, “We aim to finalise most of it by the 13th. Maybe about 10 to 20 per cent will be left, but we are almost done.”
Chyne also shared that the UDP plans to contest all the seats in the KHADC and JHADC elections.
On the party’s alliance with the HSPDP, Chyne confirmed, “Our partnership with the HSPDP remains intact, and we will have mutual understandings for a few seats.” He also clarified that the UDP has no other alliances or understandings for the ADC polls apart from the HSPDP.
