Meghalaya Lok Sabha Election

SHILLONG: All the 11 nomination papers filed for two Lok Sabha seats -Shillong and Tura - were found valid after scrutiny on Tuesday.

Altogether seven candidates are in the fray for Shillong seat. They are Vincent Pala (Congress), John F Kharshiing (UDP), Pritchard BM Basaiawmoit (HSPDP), Martle N Mukhim (MDP), Dallington Dympep (CPI), Denis Siangshai (Independent) and Tierod Passah (Independent).

Sitting MP Agatha Sangma (NCP), Deborah C Marak (Congress), Arlene N Sangma (Independent) and Boston Marak (ANC-D) are in the fray for Tura seat.

Last date for withdrawal of nominations for both the seats is April 2.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has deputed two observers to oversee conduct of the April 16 Lok Sabha election from Shillong seat. For East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts, the poll observer is V Chandrasekaran and his contact number is 98562-61620 while for West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts, the observer is KS Bains whose contact number is 98562-61628.

Further, for the Tura seat, the election observer for West Garo Hills district is Arvind Agarwal and his contact number is 98562-61565 while for East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills district, the observer is Harsh Vardhan whose contact number is 98562-61629.

The election authorities have also requested political parties, candidates and the public to contact the observers of their respective districts in case of any violation of the model code of conduct and other poll related matters in the two parliamentary constituencies.

Election monitoring cell in Jaintia Hills: The District Election Officer, also the Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner said that an Election General Control Room cum Complaint monitoring cell has been set up at Room No 9 in the DC Office at Jowai, Our Jowai correspondent adds.

The Control Room will look into complaints and queries received from various stakeholders regarding the Model Code of Conduct on various electoral issues pertaining to the General Elections to the Lok Sabha slated on April 16.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that complaints or queries from public, if any, may be lodged at the Control Room or directly on telephone no. 03652-220351.

The Deputy Commissioner also held a review meeting with all the Officers-in-charge of various branches in the district. The meeting was convened for smooth conduction of the coming Lok Sabha Election. The DC stressed that all precautions should be taken to see that the election passes off smoothly and there is no breakdown in the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the district. THE SHILLONG TIMES