Sounding the poll bugle, the regional party- People’s Democratic Front (PDF) on Wednesday released its first list of candidates.
PDF president, Gavin Miguel Mylliem informed that in the first list, the party has given tickets to eight aspiring candidates.
While cabinet Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh will be contesting from Mawkynrew constituency, the party’s president Gavin Miguel Mylliem, who is also a sitting MLA will contest from Sohra.
The PDF general secretary, Auspicious L. Mawphlang will be contesting from Mawphlang constituency.
Other candidates who found their names in the first list are Shemhok Garod from Raliang, Roswell Shadap from Mawhati, Donlang Sohkhlet from Umsning, Romeo Phira Rani from East Shillong, and Egenstar Kurkalang from Nongkrem.
Mylliem said that apart from the first list, the party had also received several applications from other aspiring candidates who were eager to contest from PDF tickets in the up-coming election and as of today the party are still examining all the names before taking a final decision.
He added that as of today the party is still waiting for approval from the general committee of the state and the party also expects to contest from 10 to 15 constituencies in the up-coming election to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
The party also plans to come out with a second list. Mylliem said, “The party is looking forward to contesting in 10-15 seats.”
The PDF, which won four seats in 2018, however, ahead of 2023 Assembly polls – two MLAs Hamlet Dohling- also a cabinet Minister and Jason Sawkmie Mawlong will join NPP.
“When it comes to Mylliem constituency, the zonal committee is still active but till date the committee has not taken any decision to field candidates for the election after its sitting MLA has decided to contest from NPP’s ticket” said Mylliem.
Mylliem asserted that whenever a sitting MLA decides to switch parties, it will always have an impact on the party but on the other hand the party cannot prevent any sitting MLA to desert the party.