Fourteen candidates from the Voice of the People Party (VPP) filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) elections.
Nine of these candidates are seeking to represent constituencies in East Khasi Hills, with the other five from Ri-Bhoi.
The VPP candidates are Winston Tony Lyngdoh for Nongthymmai, Eddieson Kharumnuid for Mawlai, Danny Langstieh for Laban, Strongpillar Kharjana for Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, Denzil Chen for Jaiaw, Lancaster Marbaniang for Mawphlang, Aibandaplin Lyngdoh Nonglait for Mylliem, Seibor Warbah for Mawryngkneng, Kitbor Syiem for Nongkrem, Mathew Makdoh for Nongpoh, Isynei Hinge for Umroi, Apkyrmen Lyngdoh Nonglait for Jirang, Banrikus Nongsteng for Umsning and Kynjohlang Rangtong for Mawhati.
After filing her nomination, Aibandaplin spoke to reporters about the party’s commitment to governance free from corruption. She had come close to defeating the sitting Congress MLA for Mylliem, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, in the 2023 Assembly elections, losing out by just a few dozen votes. Lyngdoh is also the sitting Mylliem MDC but is not seeking reelection. Aibandaplin expressed confidence in her candidacy, citing the support and trust the VPP has garnered from the people across Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Langstieh, meanwhile, mentioned that the VPP will soon unveil its manifesto. In response to a query, he noted that it would be challenging to comment on the adequacy of existing laws designed to protect the interests of Khasi indigenous tribe without first being elected to the council. “We will be better positioned to comment once we are members of the council. However, if there is a need for improvement, we will definitely strive to address it,” Langstieh added.
In Ri-Bhoi, supporters of the VPP gathered in large numbers to show solidarity with the candidates during the nomination process. The event saw participation from VPP leaders and members who expressed confidence in the candidates’ ability to bring about positive changes in the administration.
Speaking to the media, Makdoh and Hinge emphasised that their primary objective in contesting the MDC election is to introduce clean politics and transparent administration in the KHADC, where the VPP has no representation as the party was formed only after the last election in 2019. They reiterated their commitment to bringing governance closer to the people and addressing the needs of their respective constituencies.
