The Meghalaya government has ordered a re-poll in two constituencies, covering four polling stations under the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), following reports of election-related violence in East Jaintia Hills. According to the Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officers, an unidentified mob stormed polling stations and vandalized Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), prompting immediate intervention.
District Council Affairs (DCA) Commissioner and Secretary Cyril V. Diengdoh said, Repoll will happen in four polling stations, two under the 22-Musniang Rangad District Council constituency and two under 29-Bataw Lakadong District Council Constituency
District Council Affairs (DCA) Commissioner and Secretary Cyril V. Diengdoh stated, “Report has been received from the Returning Officers concerned, through the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills district, that an unidentified mob entered the polling stations and damaged the EVMs in: Polling Station No. 22/7 Wapung Skur A (Male) and Polling Station No. 22/8 Wapung Skur B (Female) under 22-Musniang Rangad District Council constituency, and Polling Station No. 29/7 Bataw A (Male) and Polling Station No. 29/8 Bataw B (Female) under 29-Bataw Lakadong District Council Constituency. As such, under Rule 143B (1) of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951 (as amended), the Governor is pleased to declare a re-poll in the aforementioned polling stations. The re-poll will take place on February 22, 2025, from 7 AM to 4 PM.”
Meanwhile, voting for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) remained peaceful, with no reported disturbances. Diengdoh confirmed, “The poll was conducted peacefully in all KHADC constituencies.” As of 3 PM, voter turnout stood at 60% in KHADC and 70% in JHADC.
Authorities have intensified security in the affected areas to prevent further disruptions and ensure a smooth electoral process.