Shillong, May 30: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is navigating uncertain waters as it prepares for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election as its alliance partner, the Hills State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) is yet to commit support.
The UDP has put forward senior advocate Vivanstone G.K. Kynta as its candidate for the upcoming bypoll. However, the UDP’s strategy faces a potential setback due to the hesitancy of its alliance partner.
As of now, there has been no formal communication from HSPDP regarding its decision, raising concerns about the possibility of a divided regional vote.
UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh said the Regional Democratic Alliance “is still very much there” but admitted the HSPDP has not communicated whether it would back Kynta or field its own candidate.
“The door is still open and we would like to have them on board,” Lyngdoh said, adding the UDP would respect the HSPDP’s final decision.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of sitting MP Ricky AJ Syngkon. UDP’s decision to field Kynta now is seen as a test of regional unity against national parties.
Lyngdoh said a decision from HSPDP could come in the coming days but no formal word had been received.
The delay raises questions over a split in regional votes, which could benefit national rivals in the high-stakes election to the Shillong seat.
