As the heat of political campaigning for the Sohiong Assembly election picked up, it remains to be seen as to whether any of the six candidates will pull out from the race.
Tomorrow is the last day for withdrawal of candidature for the election that is scheduled to be held on May 10.
The candidates who are in the fray are Samlin Malngiang (NPP), Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah (UDP), S Osborne Kharjana (Congress), Sandondor Ryntathiang (HSPDP), Seraph Eric Kharbuki (BJP) and Stodingstar Thabah (Trinamool Congress).
The scrutiny of the nomination papers was conducted on April 21 and all papers were found valid.
The counting of votes will be held on May 13.
There are a total of 34,783 voters in Sohiong constituency of which 17,687 are females.
The outcome of the election from Sohiong is crucial in adding to the strength of the ruling MDA-2 or the opposition.
In the February 27 elections, the NPP won 26 seats mostly from Garo Hills. The UDP won 11 seats while the BJP, HSPDP and the PDF won two seats each. Two independent candidates also emerged victorious.
The UDP is supporting the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, led by the NPP. Various other local parties are also supporting the government.
Like the previous occasions, the BJP with two MLAs is a part of the MDA government.
The 14-member opposition however comprises Congress (5), Trinamool Congress (5) and Voice of the People Party (4).
