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The polling in both the states was by and large peaceful, except few minor sporadic untoward incidents. As per the preliminary reports, voter turnout in Meghalaya was around 80 per cent, whereas in Nagaland it was around 85 per cent.
The Congress party in Meghalaya is hopeful of forming the next government after sharing power for five years with other parties.
However, the real test was for the newly-created party, the National People’s Party (NPP), by former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma. It would be interesting to see if NPP emerges as a party having state-wide influence.
With chief minister Mukul Sangma too a Garo like the other Sangma, NPP’s toughest fight in its maiden election was where it should have been its safest turf. A thumping win for NPP would be crucial for Sangma, especially after his defeat in the presidential election.
In Nagaland, the ruling Nagaland People’s Front’s (NPF) image took a beating just before the election when the then home minister Imkong L Imchem was arrested for allegedly carrying cash in excess as per the Election Commission’ guidelines and carrying arms and ammunition. The Congress, which had been posing a tough fight to NPF, had made ‘misrule’ and ‘corruption’ the issues to garner support.
Today’s election in Meghalaya sealed the electoral fates of heavyweights like Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, his predecessors — Donkupar Roy, D D Lapang, S C Marak — besides others like home minister H D R Lyngdoh and Opposition leader Conrad K Sangma.
In Nagaland, electoral fates of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Opposition leader Tokheho Yepthomi and former Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, among others, were sealed today in ballot boxes.
In Meghalaya, the boycott call by banned militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) was defied by the voters as people were seen queuing up at polling booths in large numbers since early morning.
Polling in both the states started at 7 am and ended at 4 pm. There were more than 15 lakh registered voters in Meghalaya, and around 11 lakh in Nagaland. Both the states have 60-member legislative Houses.
Counting of votes will be done on February 28.
