A Correspondent
SHILLONG: United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Mairang constituency, Metbah Lyngdoh was on Friday elected as the new Speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly.
Lyngdoh defeated Congress candidate and Salmanpara legislator Winnerson D Sangma by a margin of 20 votes.
Lyngdoh got 39 votes while his opponent Sangma polled 19 votes.
Deputy Speaker, Timothy D Shira did not vote.
The election to the post of the Assembly Speaker was necessitated after the sudden demise of Dr Donkupar Roy on July 28. The new Speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly, was a nominee of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition.
The MDA has 40 members which includes 21 of the National People’s Party, six of the UDP, four from the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), two each from the from the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and BJP one each from KHNAM and NCP and three independents.
Lyngdoh who is a three time MLA from Mairang, was elected as the president of the UDP on September 11 like his predecessor, late Dr Donkupar Roy. Leader of the House and Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma and Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma congratulated the new Speaker.