6 candidates in Chokpot poll fray

Six candidates, including two women have filed their nomination for the June 27 by-poll to Chokpot assembly constituency in Meghalaya.
All candidates appeared before the returning officer Tangseng G Momin today and the nomination papers of Congress candidate Bluebell R Sangma, Garo National Council candidate Kalpana D Sangma and National Peoples Party contestant Phillipole D Marak besides independents Seconton K Sangma and T R Marak were found valid.
Momin told PTI the candidature of Independent contestant Daewish S Marak was, however, found invalid and he was given 24 hours to comply and fill the required papers.
The scrutiny of his nomination papers will be held tomorrow at the returning officer's office at 11 am. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is Saturday, he said.

Death of GNC MLA Clifford R Marak early this year lead to the by-election.
The state Election Office has sought deployment of additional 1000 para military force personnel in the constituency in which over 22,000 voters will exercise their franchise in 46 polling stations, Momin said.