Meghalaya Assembly poll begins, amid tight security
Amid tight security, voting for the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly began at 7 am. However, poll will be held only for 59 constituencies. More than 18 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in more than 3,000 polling stations. For the first time, 67 all-women polling stations and 61 model polling stations were set up in state. Result will be declared on March 3.
Security enhanced across Meghalaya
Reportedly, a total 106 companies of central armed police forces (CAPF) have been deployed along with state armed personnel and police, especially in troubled Garo Hills region for peaceful polling in the state. Also, six additional companies of CAPF were deployed in the troubled East and South Garo Hills districts. The BSF has also kept a close vigil along the 443 km-long India-Bangladesh border.
Some stats about the candidates
A total 361 candidates including 31 women and 80 Independents are running for the elections. In Meghalaya, except for the two state parties - the United Democratic Party and the Hills State Peoples Democratic Party, 13 other political parties are contesting independently.
