SHILLONG:
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is confident that obtaining conditions favour the party to do well in the upcoming assembly elections as it prepares to unveil its second list of candidates soon and also induct sitting MLAs into the party fold.
Speaking to reporters, UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh on January 3 said that the party is well prepared this time.
“Looking at all the indications, the political developments in the state are really favouring the UDP as we are getting tremendous support right from the grassroots level and even leaders from other political parties are also inclined to be part of us,” he said.
He also informed that the party will soon release the second list of candidates after a meeting of the state election committee (SEC) on January 9.
The party is also preparing to induct as many as five sitting legislators, after they tender their resignation as members of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly shortly.
Stating that the party is expecting to have more candidates from Garo Hills region, he said that former South Tura legislator, John Leslee K Sangma and Dr P Sangma from North Tura are among those who have expressed their keen interest to contest from UDP.
The five sitting MLAs include, HSPDP’s legislator from Mawkyrwat Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, suspended Congress legislators – Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh) and PT Sawkmie (Mawlai) – Independent legislator from Nongkrem Lambor Malngiang and AITC legislator from Sutnga-Saipung Shitlang Pale.
“We will soon induct the five MLAs after a few days’ time from now and after due process (resignation) is followed,” the UDP leader said.
The UDP was the first political party in the state to announce its first list of 32 candidates on December 6.
Mawthoh said the party is trying to field from as many constituencies as possible but winnability is one of the most important factors since the party wants to secure more seats this time.
“The UDP is upbeat. We are doing well this time (as per the) indications…,” he added.