Shillong, July 18: The United Democratic Party on Wednesday decided to request former KHADC chief executive member and People’s Democratic Front leader, P.N. Syiem not to contest the upcoming bye election to Ranikor Assembly constituency, but support its candidate, Pius Marweiñ.

UDP leader, Jemino Mawthoh told reporters that the party after consulting with party leaders decided to submit some observations.

“The party observed that Pius had secured 8,950 votes in the February-27 Assembly elections in Ranikor constituency despite being a young and candidate of the party for the first time. Whereas Syiem who is now the MDC of Mawsynram and former MLA as well as former CEM of the KHADC will find it difficult to cover areas in Rankinor being a new candidate for the bypoll. Therefore the best thing for Syiem is to support the UDP candidate and the party would also think for Syiem and his party in future especially when we would soon have elections to the district councils,” Mawthoh said.

Mawthoh also said that the UDP is also getting the support of HSPDP for Pius Marweiñ to be the candidate for the bye-election in Ranikor, and the party has also got the support of some leaders and workers of other parties in Ranikor including Pelcy Snaitang of the BJP.

“Therefore, we would like to urge Syiem to extend support to our candidate (Pius) and if we are united, it is sure that victory will be of the UDP candidate,” Mawthoh said.

However after the meeting of the coordination committee of the UDP and PDF, Syiem told reporters that the issue related to fielding of common candidate was discussed in the meeting, but it was decided to leave to the wisdom of the UDP.

Syiem admitted that he has been getting support from the people of Ranikor including leaders from different political parties who wanted him to contest the bye election.

“In all meetings, I received positive response from the people and in all the meetings, people attended in hundreds and thousands wanting me to contest,” Syiem said.

He also admitted that both the UDP and PDF were requesting each other’s support.

“I am seeking the support of the UDP for my candidature, and if not, I will go ahead as I have already prepared to join the fray with the support of the people of Ranikor,” Syiem said.