Five candidates To file Nomination Paper for Shella by-poll

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Monday, the final day for filing of nomination papers for the Shella by-poll will see at least five candidates joining the fray. So far two candidates – Balajiedkupar Synrem of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Independent candidate Komen Laitmon have filed their nomination papers for the October 21 by-poll.

The other five who would be joining the fray on Monday are: Bantyngshain Laitmon Ryngnga (Congress), Grace Mary Kharpuri (Independent), Mosjo Rockfeller Wanswett of the People's Democratic Front (PDF), Joshua Warjri na of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shembhalang L Khaiñ (Independent).

It may be mentioned in the 2018 general election to the Meghalaya Assembly, Ryngnga of the Congress had contested against late Dr Donkupar Roy securing 4332 votes bagging the third position.

Late Dr Roy who secured 8,280 votes won by a margin of only 370 votes against the then PDF, candidate Leston Wanswett. In the by-poll, the PDF has fielded his younger brother Mosjo Rockfeller Wanswett. Wanswett was an Inspector of Supply in the Meghalaya government before joining politics.

Shella Constituency has 29,582 voters with 14,844 females and 14,698 males. According to the notification of the Election Commission of India, the last date of filing of nomination papers is September 30.

The scrutiny of the nomination papers will be held on October 1 and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is October 3. The counting of votes will be held on October 24.