Shillong, April 12 : The political parties in Meghalaya do not want mid-term elections. Having been elected to the Assembly just a year ago, the legislators feel it is too early to seek fresh mandate.
The main reasons behind the parties’ reluctance is a feeling of uncertainty about their political future, the huge expenditure involved and stiff opposition to fresh elections from the 22 first-time legislators in the House.
After the disqualification of four legislators and the resignations of two UDP MLAs, the strength of the 60-member House has been reduced to 54, of which the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance and the Meghalaya United Alliance have 27 legislators each.
Senior Congress legislator Charles Pyngrope said today, “I do not think any political party will like to have mid-term polls at this moment.”
The party, however, is ready to form the government with like-minded parties, he said, echoing Congress Legislature Party leader D.D. Lapang’s views.
The UDP and the NCP are also opposed to mid-term polls.
“I feel that mid-term polls are not necessary at this moment,” UDP leader Bindo Lanong said.