Meghalaya By-Polls | 15 pc Turnout in first Two Hours

In the Meghalaya by-election to Shella Assembly seat, an estimated 15 percent of nearly 30,000 electors have exercised their franchise in the first two hours of voting on Monday.

Votingfor by-polls to the Assembly constituency in East Khasi Hills district, closeto the Bangladesh border began at 7 am amidst the tight security, said F RKharkongor, Chief Election Officer.

The CEOsaid that people trickled in small numbers to cast their votes and polling isexpected to pick up by afternoon.

Kharkongor also informed that the first five voters who exercised their franchise were awarded green medals to encourage them.

Accordingto reports, the polling is being held in 58 polling stations, 12 of which arenon-motorable polling booths that include Nongriat village famous for itsdouble-decker living root bridge.

The by-electionhas been necessitated following the death of sitting MLA, Donkupar Roy on July28.

Roysson Balajied Synrem is contesting the poll on an UDP ticket, while Congressnominee Batyngshai Ryngnga and Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) candidate MosjoWanswet are also in the fray.

TwoIndependent candidates Komen Laitmo and Grace Mary Kharpuri are also contestingfrom the seat.

A totalof 29,763 voters, including 14,809 males and 14,954 females are eligible tovote.