Ahead of its general council, the United Democratic Party (UDP) today appointed a 30-member nomination committee which will deliberate on who should don the mantle and lead the party ahead of the crucial 2018 elections in Meghalaya.
The nomination committee comprises presidents and secretaries of the district executive committees, leaders from the youth wing, women wing, farmer wing and six prominent members of the party.
The recommendation of the nomination committee will be placed at the general council scheduled to be held on February 27 for its final approval.
"We have decided to leave it to the wisdom of the nomination committee in as far as the issue relating to electing of new body of the party is concerned," party's general secretary A F Dkhar told reporters after the central executive committee (CEC) meeting here.
"The nomination committee will deliberate to bring about a consensus as to who all should be holding what position at the general council," he said.
Several leaders including UDP working presidents Bindo M Lanong and Paul Lyngdoh have made their offers to the nomination committee expressing their interest to lead the party.
The UDP general secretary however said those who have made the offer also will have to be examined by the committee which will arrive at a consensus decision.
He also said that the general council will be the authority to decide whether to accept or reject the recommendation of the nomination committee.
The CEC, meanwhile, has also constituted a committee responsible for organizing the upcoming general council meeting.
"We have constituted an organizing committee to look after the preparation for the ensuing general council. We have also put in place the tentative list of the members to the nomination committee which will be ratified on February 27," Dkhar said.
The issue related to the upcoming bye-elections in the two autonomous tribal councils - the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council - was also discussed at the CEC.
UDP senior working president Bindo M Lanong said there was a discussion stressing on the need for the party to be 'cautious' in selection of candidates.
