Shillong, Feb 27: The elections which will decide the fate of 232 candidates saw a turnout of around 85.60 per cent to the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council and 76.63 per cent turnout to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
Despite inclement weather people came out to cast their vote on Wednesday in 1,433 polling stations of the 29 constituencies in KHADC, and 408 polling booths in the 29 constituencies of JHADC. Security was deployed in all polling stations especially in critical and vulnerable booths.
Counting of votes will take place on March 2.
The KHADC has a total of 7,51,065 voters, while the JHADC has 2,21,725 voters.
Though cold accompanied by wind and light rain have dampened the enthusiasm of many voters, but the turnout in JHADC was good which recorded 85.60 per cent – male 85.18 per cent, and female 85.98 per cent. The voting percentage in KHADC was 76.63 per cent – male 74.43 per cent, and female 78.71 per cent.
Altogether, 2,745 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were used, and for the first time, the ‘None of the Above (NOTA)’ button is also being introduced in the EVMs for the polls.
Seven EVMs were reported to have failed to function in some polling stations under the KHADC and six EVMs malfunctioned in the JHADC, but they were replaced immediately.
Political parties which fielded candidates include the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), United Democratic Party (UDP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), People’s Democratic Front (PDF) besides the opposition Congress – are contesting the elections besides Independents.
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As many as 131 candidates are in the fray from 29 constituencies of the KHADC and 101 candidates from 29 constituencies of the JHADC. There are eight women candidates, and eight former legislators and former ministers are also in the fray.
Two MLAs are also contesting the elections to the KHADC which include chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board and Independent MLA from Nongkrem, Lambor Malngiang and NPP legislator from Mawshynrut, Gigur Myrthong.