The counting of votes for the bye-election to the 56-Gambegre Assembly Constituency is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Election) in West Garo Hills, Tura. The bypoll, which saw a massive voter turnout of 90.93%, will decide the fate of six candidates.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made extensive arrangements to ensure transparency and security during the counting process. A three-tier security cordon has been established around the counting center, and CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations under the supervision of observers.
The counting will commence at 8:00 AM, starting with postal ballots, followed by the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) count after 30 minutes. A total of 32 postal ballots will be counted, and 14 tables will be used to process results from the 51 polling stations over four rounds.
The by-election was necessitated after the constituency’s MLA, Saleng A. Sangma, vacated the seat upon winning the Lok Sabha elections. Among the key contenders are Dr. Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, representing the National People’s Party (NPP) and wife of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and Sadiarani M. Sangma of the opposition TMC, sister-in-law of former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma. Other candidates include Jingjang Marak (Congress), Bernard Marak (BJP), and two Independents, Sengkrabirth Marak and Jerry Sangma.
As per the state election department, the constituency has 33,088 general electors, including 15 voters aged over 85 and 17 Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Service voters account for an additional three electors.
The bye-election in Gambegre is being closely watched as the NPP seeks to consolidate its position under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s leadership, while the TMC and other parties aim to make their position in the Assembly stronger.