SHILLONG, OCT 13: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said the six-month extension of the GHADC was necessitated by pending delimitation and separate electoral roll formalities.
He said the cabinet decision on October 7 was taken to ensure elections are held in a proper manner.
“The intention is to hold the election before the extended six months ends. The process of delimitation was very exhaustive and required incorporation of separate electoral roll. Without it, the entire picture changes,” Sangma said.
He said the delimitation committee had to wait for the Governor’s approval of the separate electoral roll, which came about 10 days ago.
“Only then was the committee able to move forward with the final delimitation exercise,” he said.
Sangma said the government is not trying to delay elections.
“I want to clarify to all citizens especially in Garo Hills that this is a necessary exercise. Election cannot be held without delimitation, and delimitation cannot be completed without SER,” he said.
He added that once delimitation is complete, the electoral roll will be published followed by elections.
“We are confident that within this six months, after completing the remaining exercise, the government intends to hold elections at the earliest,” Sangma said.
By Our Reporter
