23 by-elections held in Meghalaya since 1972

By-polls in State

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The State of Meghalaya has witnessed 23 by-elections till date since 1972. It was also the year when the first Meghalaya Legislative Assembly elections was held after attaining statehood.

The first ever by-election was held in Meghalaya in the year 1973 in Mawthengkut and Songsak constituency. Some of the years in which the by-election to the legislative assembly was held were in 1989, 2005, and 2018. An increase in the number of by-elections being held in Meghalaya were seen in these years.

In 1989, the by-election was held in Mawkhar, Parïong and Baghmara constituency and in 2005 in Mawprem, Songsak and Selsella constituency. However in 2018, the by-elections was held first at Ampati constituency after former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma resigned as an MLA after being elected as a representative to the legislative assembly from Songsak constituency.

It may be reminded that Sangma during the 2018 assembly elections had contested from both Ampati and Songsak constituency. On August 23, the by-elections will be held simultaneously in Ranikor and South Tura constituency. The counting of votes for both the constituencies will be held on August 27.