Shillong, July 23: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has decided to write to the Election Commission of India (ECI) requesting it to hold bye-elections at the same to the two assembly seats – South Tura and Ranikor.

The decision came soon after the announcement made by the Election Commission to hold the bye-election to the South Tura seat on August 23.

UDP general secretary and former Nongthymmai MLA, Jemino Mawthoh said, “We will be writing to the ECI immediately to request it to hold the South Tura bye-election simultaneously with Ranikor.”

The bye-elections to South Tura and Ranikor are necessary following the resignation of former senior Congress leader, Martin M Danggo as MLA of Ranikor on June 21 and NPP leader Agatha K Sangma as MLA of South Tura on July 2.

“The party understands that the term of expiry is constitutionally bound, but since Danggo resigned first, and Agatha later, we thought it would be fair to hold the bye-elections simultaneously since both the seats are in the same state.”

Agatha’s decision to resign from South Tura was to pave way for her elder brother and chief minister, Conrad K. Sangma who is also the NPP national president to contest from her seat in order to continue as chief minister.

Conrad, who is still an MP from Tura took oath as chief minister of the state on March 6, and he must be elected as MLA within six months that is before September 6.

As Chief Minister, Conrad is leading NPP-led coalition government – Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. Six parties and three Independents are part of the coalition government.