Shillong, Feb 16: The National People’s Party (NPP) has dropped Albinush Marak, the incumbent Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), from its list of candidates for the upcoming council elections.

Marak, who represents the Siju constituency, was denied a party ticket over concerns about his winnability, NPP working president and cabinet minister Marcuise N Marak said on Monday.

“It was a tough decision, but we had to consider the party’s chances of winning,” he told reporters, adding that the party is seeking Albinush Marak’s cooperation despite the decision.

The NPP has released its first list of 24 candidates for the GHADC polls. According to party leaders, the selections were made based on factors such as winnability, loyalty, and past experience.

The list was approved by the state election committee headed by Prestone Tynsong after recommendations from the regional committee.