SHILLONG, MAR 6: All Regional Party Alliance(ARPA)- a conglomerate of Hills State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), United Democratic Party (UDP) and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM)- candidate Teilinia Thangkhiew was elected as chairperson of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Thursday.
Thangkhiew, an HSPDP Mylliem MDC, also became the first woman chairperson of the more than four decades old KHADC.
Thangkhiew sailed to victory deafeating Congress nominee former KHADC CEM Manstudy Nongrum by 15-12 votes.
The election to the coveted post was conducted through secret ballot by the East Khasi Hills District deputy commissioner Sanjay Goyal.
However before declaring the result, Goyal declared two votes as invalid.
The two votes were declared as invalid as one in one ballot paper an MDC had tick in more than one place and in the other the member had failed to put his or her name in the ballot papers, Goyal informed the house.
After counting of the votes Goyal announced Thangkhiew as the winner and handover the chair to her immediately to presides over the House.
An ailing NCP MDC Sanbor Shullai, who is also a legislator , had forced himself to attend the voting for the election of the KHADC chairperson. As he was not present during the oath taking ceremony, he also took oath minutes before the elections started.
Outgoing CEM Pynsngainlang N Syiem expressed congratulated the new KHADC chairperson for being the first lady member to be elected to the coveted post.
“We also expressed our confident under your leadership that you will have the required wisdom to guide and lead the house,” Syiem said. He also urged the chairperson to be neutral and look into the welfare and interest of all members irrespective of party affiliations.
Speaking during the session, ARPA chairman and KHADC CEM designated Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said that it is a proud and honorable moment for the members and council to have a lady for the first time in the history to hold such a coveted post.
Basaiawmoit expressed hope that under her able guidance, the KHADC will be able to bring changes and reforms in the all round development of the council. He said, “Women have the power to make a stone heart melt.” He also express hope the new chairperson will take the honor of council to great heights.
KHNAM Mawlai MDC Process T Sawkmie said that he is happy to see that the women in the state are coming forward and it is time that women needs to be further empowered. He however brought submission before the house on the need to renovate the council’s hall as it is in dilapidated condition.
Sawkmie also proposed that the oath taking ceremony of newly elected members in the future should be in local language and not in English as done earlier.
The election to the post of KHADC CEM is likely be held on Saturday.- By Our Reporter
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