SHILLONG, NOV 13: The voter turnout for the Gambegre Assembly bye-election reached an impressive 90.84% by 6 pm, according to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr. BDR Tiwari. “Polling to the Gambegre bye-election was successfully and peacefully conducted,” he stated on Wednesday.
In comparison, the polling percentage during the 2023 Assembly elections stood at 90%.
Dr. Tiwari reported that 33,088 voters, including 16,207 women and 16,881 men, cast their votes across 51 polling stations. Voting commenced at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm. Among the votes, 32 were home votes out of 54 eligible voters and there were 3 service voters.
The Sanjengpara polling station registered the highest turnout, recording 95.60% of eligible voters.
During the morning’s mock poll, one VVPAT machine had to be replaced. Following the commencement of official polling, 3 Ballot Units (BUs), 3 Control Units (CUs), and 6 VVPATs required replacement across five polling stations.
Six candidates are competing for the Gambegre seat. These include Dr. Mehtab Chandee A Sangma from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and wife of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma; Jingjang M Marak of the Indian National Congress (INC); Sadhiarani Sangma of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC); and Bernard N Marak from the BJP. The contest also features two independent candidates: Sengkrabirth M Marak and Jerry A Sangma.
The bye-election was necessitated following the resignation of Congress’ leader Saleng A Sangma after being elected as new Tura MP.
Additionally, a total seizure worth Rs 12.72 lakh was reported till poll day. Of this, 1.79621 lakh cash, 2.09945 lakh liquor, 2.40 lakh drugs and 5.4248 freebies/other items, the CEO said.