Around 8,500 polling officials on Tuesday left for polling stations as campaigning for Tura and Shillong Lok Sabha seats ended this evening. "Preparation for the polling on April 16 is nearing completion. There has been no untoward incident nor any serious case of violation of Model Code of
Conduct," Chief Electoral Officer Prashant Naik said.
Four companies of Central paramilitary forces, 10 companies of state's reserve force along with police have been sent to maintain law and order during voting.
Around 12,77,736 voters, armed with 100 per cent EPICs, are eligible to vote to decide the fate of 11 candidates in the two constituencies.
Seven candidate are in fray in Shillong - Darlington Dympep (CPI), John Filmore Kharshiing (United Democratic Party), Vincent Pala (Congress), PVM Basaiawmoit (Hill State Peoples Democratic Party), Denis Siangshai (Independent), Martle N Mukhim (Meghalaya Democratic Party) and Tierod Passah (Independent).
In Tura, NCP has filed sitting MP Agatha Sangma, while Congress has nominated former Deputy Chief Minister Deborah Marak. Two others Arleene Sangma (Independent) and Boston Marak (Achik National Congress) are also in the fray. A total of 2117 polling stations have been set up in the state.