UDP releases 3rd list, names contestants for ‘showdowns’

SHILLONG, Jan 20: The UDP’s third list of candidates for the upcoming district council elections, scheduled for February 21, includes players from constituencies promising action-packed contests such as Jirang and Sohiong. The list was announced by UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh and endorsed by the party’s president, Metbah Lyngdoh, on Monday.
The candidates announced in the third list are Lee Trevor S Bareh for Jirang constituency, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah for Sohiong constituency, Anthony Khongwang for the Nongshken Constituency, and Meiowan Pasi for the Nangbah Mihmyntdu Constituency in Jaintia Hills.
From sitting Jirang MLA Victor Rani’s ‘abrupt’ exit from the NPP in Jirang constituency, leading to the NPP’s conundrum, to the much-anticipated high-profile contest in Sohiong featuring a cousins’ clash between Synshar Kupar Lyngdoh and Nathaniel Rymmai of Congress, both the constituencies have made the news recently. It may be mentioned that Synshar is former Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh’s nephew, while Rymmai is his son.
Speaking during the announcement, UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh emphasised that the selection process for candidates was conducted fairly, focusing on their capabilities and grassroots support. “This time, we have fielded strong and promising candidates for both the KHADC and JHADC polls,” Lyngdoh said.
When asked about the decision to field a sitting MLA from Mawphlang, Lyngdoh explained that the decision was made by local leaders and the constituency’s electorate.
“Our party believes in grassroots democracy, and the masses decided that the sitting MLA (Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah) should contest. Based on feedback, he has been performing exceptionally well,” he added.
Addressing concerns about the UDP’s association with the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), Lyngdoh dismissed suggestions that the partnership could hurt the party’s chances. He pointed to the UDP’s success in securing 12 seats in the 2023 Assembly elections while working with MDA 1.0 as evidence of the alliance’s positive impact.
Lyngdoh also revealed that the party would soon announce its fourth and final list of candidates after completing the necessary formalities.
Furthermore, he clarified that the UDP and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) had mutually decided to contest the MDC elections independently.
The UDP plans to release its manifesto in the coming days, detailing its vision and objectives for the upcoming elections.