SHILLONG, JAN 30: A total of 12 candidates, including three ministers and a father-daughter duo, filed their papers from different constituencies on Wednesday, the first day of the filing of nominations for the February 23 Meghalaya elections.
Seven nominations were filed in East Khasi hills district, including that by minister and Shillong East Congress candidate, Ampareen Lyngdoh. She, in fact, was the first candidate to file the papers which she did in the office of the deputy commissioner and district election officer here.
Accompanied by her supporters, she reached the district election office as early as 10 a.m., a good hour before the official timing commenced.
Interestingly, Ampareen was the first one to file her nomination papers in the last elections as well. “It is a tradition of my family,” she explained to waiting reporter. She said it was a pleasure to serve the people and would do so again if she gets the mandate. “I’ve ploughed my field very well. If I am still needed, I will be back.”
The father and daughter duo of Pynshai Manik Syiem and Teilina Thangkhiew also filed their nomination papers around the same time. While Syiem is contesting as Independent candidate from Mawphlang, his daughter is contesting from Mylliem.
The other candidates from East Khasi hills district to file the papers were UDP candidate and minister J. A. Lyngdoh from Mawphlang, his party colleague Bristol Kharbuli from Sohiong, Congress candidate from the Mawrynkneng seat Pynehborlang Mukhim and Independent candidate Hilarius Pochen, who is contesting from Nongkrem.
State chief electoral officer (CEO), P Naik said three candidates from West Garo Hills district and one each from Ri Bhoi district and South West Garo Hills district have also filed their papers. The three from West Garo Hills district include Congress candidate Sayedullah Nongrum, who is contesting from the Rajabala constituency, Independent candidate, Atul Marak from Selsella constituency and another Independent candidate, Sylvester Sangma from Phulbari constituency.
Congress candidate Barnebas Nongbah was the first one to file his nomination papers from Ri Bhoi district. He is contesting from the Jirang constituency.
Naik said nomination papers were filed from East Garo Hills, West Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills on the first day.
While 338 candidates had contested the 2008 elections, the chief electoral officer said this time the figure could touch 400.
It is learnt that the National People’s Party (NPP) candidates from all the four constituencies of East Garo hills district will be filing their nominations on February 4.
The last date for filing of nomination is February 6 and the scrutiny will take place on February 7. (By Our Reporter)
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