Shillong, Mar 12: Senior most MLA and president of the United Democratic Party, Dr Donkupar Roy was elected as new Speaker of the tenth Meghalaya Assembly  here on Monday.

Roy was elected to the high post as candidate of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) where he got 35 votes in a contest with Congress nominee, Winnerson D. Sangma who secured 20 votes.

The election to the Speaker’s post was conducted through secret ballot and the result was declared by Protem Speaker, Timothy D. Shira after counting the votes casted by members of both the treasury and opposition during the special session of the Assembly.

Roy, who never lost elections and has been elected from Shella constituency since 1988 for the seventh consecutive time, had in the past held many important positions as chairman of State Planning Board, minister, deputy chief minister and chief minister.

In the election, 56 members from both the treasury and opposition casted their votes.

While the vote of one member was rejected because names of both the candidates were ticked on the ballot paper, the Protem Speaker did not vote as he was presiding over the proceedings in the House.

Lone Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement legislator, Adelbert Nongrum however skipped the session.

Chief minister, Conrad K. Sangma, leader of opposition, Mukul Sangma and other members of the House congratulated the new Speaker and hoped that under his leadership and guidance, the House would be able to function smoothly.

The Speaker in his maiden address thanked members of the House who elected him to the post.

He also assured both the treasury and opposition that he would not use his position to victimise any member or engage in toppling game.

Stating that he had many elections to the post of Speaker in the last 30 years, Roy said, “There were occasions that the ruling would expect the Speaker to defend the government in the House, and the opposition expected the Speaker to topple the government. However I assure you that I will try my best to perform my duty, and stand by both – ensure stability and maintain neutral as Speaker.”

He also assured newly elected members of organizing a training for them to familiar with the rules and procedures of the House.

Roy also assured members of the House to pursue the matter related to construction of the new Assembly building.

Meghalaya has no Assembly building of its own after the old Assembly building at Khyndai Lad was destroyed by fire on January 9, 2001.