372 candidates in Meghalaya Assembly election

A total of 372 candidates will contest the February 27 Meghalaya Assembly election after three withdrew from the race, Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor said on Monday.

Those still in the fray include 87 independents.

Innocent Phawa, S. Bamon and L. Ymbon withdrew their nominations from Nartiang, Sutnga Saipung and Raliang seats respectively on Monday, the last date for withdrawal of nominations.

Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat and Election Commissioners Sunil Arora and Ashok Lavasa will arrive here on a two-day visit from February 15.

The ruling Congress is the only party to field candidates in all 60 Assembly constituencies.

The United Democratic Party, Hill State People's Democratic Party and Garo National Council -- which have forged a regional alliance -- have fielded 35, 13 and five candidates respectively.

The National People's Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party have fielded 53 and 47 candidates respectively.

--IANS

rrk/tsb/mr