Shillong, May 10: The election for the crucial Sohiong constituency in East Khasi Hills District began on Wednesday morning. The voter turnout till 11 AM was recorded at 43.6 percent.
Polling started at 7 am and is scheduled to conclude at 4 pm. 34,783 voters, of which 17,096 are males and 17687 are females, are eligible to cast their vote in 63 polling stations, to elect their new representative.
Election in Sohiong was adjourned after the sudden demise of former home minister and candidate of UDP, HDR Lyngdoh, on February 20. Assembly elections were held in rest of the state on February 27 to elect representatives for 59 constituencies.
Five companies of CAPF have been deployed for the Sohiong poll. All women flying squads have also been activated in the constituency for the first time besides all women polling station, youth managed polling stations.
As part of a unique initiative, voters at the model polling station at Nongpathaw, planted tree saplings after casting their vote
The main contest is between the ruling National People’s Party’s (NPP) candidate, Samlin Malngiang, United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh and INC’s S Osborne Kharjana.
The result of the election will be declared on May 13.
The result of Sohiong bear importance as it still has the potential to tilt the political power in the state. Although the ruling NPP sits comfortably in power with 28 seats, having one more number to its ranks would give to more peace of mind to rule the state for the next 5 years. Also, it will have to worry less about its coalition partners deserting it. Meghalaya Assembly has 60 seats and the ruling party or coalition requires 31 seats to lead the house.
