UDP constitutes SEC for selection of candidates for MP, MDC polls

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 13, 2023

The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Monday constituted the state election committee (SEC) for selection of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and autonomous district council (ADC) elections, slated to be held next year.

Speaking to reporters, UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh said, “Today, the central executive committee (CEC) has approved the selection of members of the SEC and the SEC will be for the MP and MDC elections. We have entrusted the SEC to look into the matters related to the candidature of those who have expressed their interest to contest from our party.”

Lyngdoh informed that the CEC has also resolved to endorse the decision unanimously taken by leaders of the UDP and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) in a meeting held on November 7, to work together for the upcoming election to the Shillong parliamentary seat.

He said for the Tura parliamentary seat, the CEC leaves it to the SEC along with a few senior leaders from Garo Hills to decide on the candidate.

“At the same time, the CEC has also directed all respective districts and circles to continue to work for the party and how to strengthen more and to be prepared for both the MP and MDC elections,” he said.

The UDP chief said the matter relating to the candidate for the Shillong parliamentary seat is left to the SEC and in consultation with all stakeholders a decision will be taken together with the HSPDP under the banner of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA).

According to the party source, there are three ticket aspirants for the Shillong seat and these include former HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin, who joined the party on Saturday, Khasi Author Society president Dr DRL Nonglait and former Mawlai legislator PT Sawkmie.

He said that the SEC will be sitting as early as possible to announce the candidates for both the seats.

Lyngdoh also said that the RDA also extended an invitation to other regional political parties to come together with the alliance for the coming LS polls.

Asked if the UDP will seek support of its coalition partner National People’s Party (NPP), Lyngdoh said, “It is yet to be discussed but anybody who would like to extend their willingness to support the party they are more welcome. In fact, it is a call from the party so that is the decision we have made so we will go with that.”

Further, the UDP chief expressed confidence that people of the state will support the party in the LS polls.

“We will not be wrong this time that the people are very much on the side of the UDP,” he said.

Meanwhile, the CEC also discussed the problems faced by the farmers and asked the farmers’ wing headed by Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin as president to hold a meeting in the first week of December.