Shillong, Feb 03: The fourth day of filing of nomination papers on Saturday saw as many as 28 candidates who submitted their papers.
So far, 53 candidates have filed their nominations. Filing of nominations will end on February 7.
The two Independent MLAs, Julias K. Dorphang and Rophul S. Marak who had resigned as members of the Assembly, have again filed their nominations as Independent candidates on Saturday.
According to legal experts, the two former Independent MLAs could have continued their membership in the Assembly since they have not joined any political party even after they resigned from the Assembly.
Altogether, 23 MLAs have resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly and most of them are seeking re-election as candidates of other political parties.
Prominent among the 28 candidates who filed their nominations on Saturday include home minister, H.D.R Lyngdoh, former Congress legislator who defected to the National People’s Party (NPP), Prestone Tynsong, and NPP MLA from Songsak, Nihim D. Shira who is taking on chief minister, Mukul Sangma.
The chief minister is also contesting from Apatigiri, his home constituency, he had represented since 1993.
Two members of district councils, Moonlight Pariat as candidate of the United Democratic Party from Jowai​, and Adelbert Nongrum as candidate of the Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement from North Shillong seat also submitted their nomination papers.
The elections to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly will be held on February 27 and counting of votes on March 3.
