The Voice of the People Party (VPP) today announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming state elections in 2023, with 13 out of the 14 named being first-timers.
Former Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, the driving force behind the formation of the new political party, is the only one with past experience of being a legislator.
All but one of the 14 hopefuls is male. The lone woman candidate is Aibandaplin F Lyngdoh, who will be running in Mylliem.
The list of names was made public at a press conference here today, led by VPP vice-president H Kara Chen.
The other candidates are Damewanhi L Rymbai from Khliehriat, Ricky AJ Syngkon from Umsning, Heavingstone Kharpran from Mawryngkneng, Brightstarwell Marbaniang from Mawlai, Avner Pariat from East Shillong, Raja Jyrwa from West Shillong, Danny Langstieh from South Shillong, Winston Tony Lyngdoh from Nongthymmai, Doristar Marbaniang from Mawphlang, Manbhalang Thabah from Pynursla, Shanlang Warjri from Mairang and Overlin Imiong from Ranikor.
Chen said that the sitting MLA for North Shillong, Adelbert Norgrum, will still have to complete some formalities before he is declared as the VPP candidate in the next list. Nongrum has fallen out with his KHNAM party and announced his intention to join the VPP. Chen also said that there will be some VPP candidates from Garo Hills as well.
He also informed that the party has registered with the Election Commission but is yet to get a party symbol.
On the VPP candidates’ winnibility factor, he maintained that the new faces have been chosen because the people are fed up with the same old politicians and want a change.
“Winning elections is just a means but the ultimate end is to bring good governance and developments and the VPP will not contest election just to win it but to also impart political education to the masses and make some impact to the political system in the state,” spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh added.
He further stated that if the people are serious that Meghalaya should become a corruption-free state, then they should vote for change and give new political parties that are not in coalition with the MDA a chance.
“In other states, whenever there are allegations of corruption against the government the public gives their mandate in favour of the political parties that are not with the government,” he said. “If the people do not choose an alternative government but elect the same government tagged with various allegations then this will persist and there will be no progress.”
