16 file nominations on Day 3

**Former parliamentary secretary and Congress legislator from Mawphlang Kennedy C Khyriem filing his nomination paper on Friday**

SHILLONG, FEB 2: Three former parliamentary secretaries besides sitting and former legislators are among the sixteen candidates who filed their nomination papers for the upcoming February 27-Assembly polls, on Friday.

These includes 2 from the ruling Congress, 2 Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP), 3 United Democratic Party (UDP), 1 each from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and 7 Independents.

The three former parliamentary secretaries who filed their nominations are Congress nominee Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem from Mawphlang constituency and two Independents – Samuel M Sangma from Baghmara and Rophul S Marak (former MLA) from Rongara-Siju.

Two sitting legislators of the HSPDP – Phlastingwell Pangniang from Rambrai-Jyrngam and Diosstarness Jyndiang from Nongstoin – also filed their nominations in West Khasi Hills District.

Its alliance partner – the UDP also witnessed three candidates filing their nomination papers on the third day and they are sitting KHADC MDC Donkupar Sumer from Umsning (Ri Bhoi), Pillarson G Momin from Raksamgre and Santush Sangma from Tikrikilla (in Garo Hills).

The others include Congress candidate Pios Kurbah from Mawthadraishan (West Khasi Hills), NCP candidate John Dandaly Sangma from Ranikor (South West Khasi Hills) and KHNAM candidate Zachary Shadap from Mawhati (Ri Bhoi).

The independent candidates are Evalyni Kharbani from Mawhati (Ri Bhoi), wellborn Bynnud – Shella (East Khasi Hills), Dr Bestondar C Lyngdoh – Mawkyrwat (South West Khasi Hills), Starline Momin – Resubelpara (North Garo Hills) and Diliram G Marak –Selsella (West Garo Hills).

Altogether, 25 candidates have so far filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Meanwhile, the last date of filing of nomination is on February 7, while scrutiny of nominations is on February 8 and withdrawal is on February 12.

The date for polling will be on February 27 and counting on March 3.

It may be mentioned so far as many as 12 political parties both state and national based have announced their intention to contest the upcoming Assembly polls.

By Our Reporter