SHILLONG, Oct 19 - With the voting slated on October 21, campaigning for the Shella by-election ended today. Meanwhile, polling officials have already moved to their designated polling stations. As many as six candidates are in the fray for the seat, which fell vacant following the demise of former Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Donkupar Roy on July 28.
There is likely to be a straight contest between United Democratic Party candidate and Roy�s son, Balajiedkupar Synrem, and Congress nominee Batyngshain Laitmon Ryngnga. Synrem will seek to take forward his father�s legacy. Roy had won the seat for seven consecutive terms.
The People�s Democratic Front (PDF) has fielded Mosjo Rockfeller Wanswett, while the BJP has noimnated Joshua Warjri for the seat. There are two Independent candidates, Grace Kharpuri and Komen Laitmon.
The National People�s Party is supporting the UDP candidate. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his Cabinet colleagues have campaigned extensively in the constituency over the past few days.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made by the Chief Election Officer for the 30,000-odd electorate in the rural constituency that borders Bangladesh. The BSF�s help has been sought to thwart any untoward incident.
Meghalaya CEO FR Kharkongkor said this would be the State�s first �green election�. Polling booths have been set up with slogans calling for environment protection and discouraging the use of plastic.
