By The Editor
After much heat and dust raised by candidates and their respective supporters for about a month the people of Meghalaya cast their votes on February 27 to elect leaders who will be at the helm of affairs for next five years — 2023-28. During these past few weeks the state had witnessed several meetings and rallies organised by different candidates belonging to various political parties including independents which ended on February 25 at 4:00 pm and all having high hopes of winning whose fate will be officially declared on March 2. At the close of voting day, about 75 per cent of voters did cast their votes much below the figure of 86.9 percent in last state’s election 2018. It may be mentioned that due to death of UDP (United Democratic Party) candidate and former Home Minister H.D.R Lyngdoh on February 21 election to 23-Sohiong Assembly Constituency has been adjourned till further notice by Election Commission of India (ECI).
It is quite interesting to note that the two constituencies of newest Eastern West district namely 30-Mairang represented by Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh and 31- Mawthadraishan represented by Cabinet Minister Brolding Nongsiej scored highest percentages 90.4 and 90.1 respectively. Third highest 89.82 per cent is 7-Amlarem constituency West Jaintia Hills district being represented by Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui. Coincidently all three belong to UDP of ruling NPP (National People’s Party) led- Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA). On the contrary lowest percentage of voters’ turnout of 52.1 per cent was 51- South Tura being represented by Chief Minister Conrad Kongkal Sangma followed by that of Thomas A. Sangma from 50- North Tura 55.5 per cent both NPP and also from West Garo Hills district. Polling on February 27 ended peacefully on the whole though stray unpleasant incidents did happen which were handled according to law and rules. However, due to malfunctions of EVM (Electronic Voting Machine), voting at Umtasor Mawdkar 11-Umsning constituency, started five hours late at 12 noon and continued till late night to compensate for time lost.
Generally well-educated persons and urbanites are supposed to be highly conscious of their rights and privileges and hence to do the needful by taking necessary initiatives like casting their votes in elections. Unfortunately the situation this time is a paradox as the facts are glaring. Besides the two seats of Tura town in West Garo Hills similar scenario also happened in the four seats of Shillong city where percentage voting is much below state’s average of 75 per cent though comparatively higher than those of Garo Hills sector. Respective figures are 16-East Shillong 63 per cent, 17-North Shilong 58.54 per cent, 18-West Shillong 62.98 per cent, and 19-South Shillong 61.27 per cent. Counting of votes is last major step towards culmination of election process and as per as law counting is to be performed by or under supervision and direction of Returning Officer of constituency in presence of candidates and their agents. According to exit polls, NPP is ahead and MDA 2.0 is likely.