Meghalaya election: Voting under way across 59 seats; over 63.91% turnout till 3 pm

Shillong, Feb 27: Election 2023: Meghalaya is all set for polling in 59 of the 60 assembly seats where more than 21.6 lakh voters will seal the fate of 369 candidates today, as the ruling National People’s Party will fight to retain power, while the BJP and Trinamool Congress will attempt to unseat the incumbent government from power.

LIVE UPDATE

• In Meghalaya, voting is underway at 3,419 polling stations, of which 640 have been categorized as ‘vulnerable’ and 323 as ‘critical’,
• Dalu, the assembly constituency that falls on the Indo-Bangla border, has recorded 15% polling in the first 2 hours. It is the highest among 11 assembly constituencies in the West Garo Hills district
• Till 9 am, 12.06% voter turnout was recorded in Meghalaya Elections 2023 
• Meghalaya early voters at polling stations in Meghalaya are being felicitated with certificates and medals

• BJP candidate from Pynthorumkhrah, AL Hek casts his vote at a polling station in the Assembly constituency in East Khasi Hills, also meets voters

• The first five early voters receive mementos to encourage early voting in the Meghalaya Assembly elections

• PM Modi urges young and first-time voters to cast a ballot

Urging the people of Meghalaya and Nagaland, particularly the young and first time voters, to vote in record numbers today.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 27, 2023

• Thirty-six of the 369 candidates are women, with the largest number of 10 women candidates being put up by the Congress. Polling in Sohiong assembly constituency has been adjourned due to the death of one of the candidates.
• A long queue of voters at a polling station in Tura as voting in assembly elections begins

• As the voting in 59 out of 60 Assembly constituencies is to be held today in Meghalaya, around 19000 polling personnel have been stationed on poll duty. The officials have said that security arrangements have been beefed up for controlling the law and order situation in the state.

• The fates of the contesting parties will be decided by over 21 lakh voters across 59 poll-bound constituencies today. According to the Election Commission, polling will be held in a total of 3,419 polling stations across the state.

• Mock poll begins for Meghalaya elections
• While BJP and Congress have fielded candidates in all the seats, NPP is contesting 57 seats. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), which became the main opposition party in Meghalaya in 2021 following the defection of 12 Congress MLAs, became a formidable force, especially after former chief minister Mukul Sangma joined its ranks. The TMC has fielded candidates in 58 seats.

Also Read: Pradeep Jena appointed as new chief secretary of Odisha

• Voting for the Assembly election in Meghalaya begins amid tight security
• Meghalaya assembly polls: A look at key contests between candidates

• Former CM Mukul Sangma is contesting from two seats — Tikrikilla and Songsak on Trinamool’s ticket. UDP leader Metbah Lyngdoh is contesting from Mairang. Further, NPP pitted Prestone Tynsong from Pynursla. UDP candidate Titosstar Well Chyne is contesting from Sohra.