The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the United Democratic Party (UDP) informed that the party in many constituencies have already selected their candidates for the Autonomous District Council (ADC) polls in both Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
“In short we can say that the UDP is ready to face the ADC polls,” UDP working president and sitting Member of District Council (MDC) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), from Sohra, Titosstarwell Chyne said.
Chyne also added that the party is only ready only because the district council polls are near even as he added that the UDP wanted the elections to be held on time but due to the delimitation process the House was extended twice.
The former Chief Executive Member said that the UDP was lucky to have led the Executive Committee (EC) in the KHADC for four years from 2019 to 2023, before it was toppled by its constituent partner the National People’s Party (NPP).
“In these four years the EC led by the UDP did many things and I am hopeful that as a party we are ready to again seek the mandate of the public,” Chyne added.
He also said that in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) the party which is in coalition with the NPP is ready for the election even as he added that the UDP has contributed to the EC.
Chyne also said that the party has an understanding with the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) since they are in the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA).
“But we have not yet decided on the formalities on how we should go about in the alliance. But till today we are working together,” he added.
He also said that the names of the candidates for the KHADC and JHADC polls will be announced as well as the manifesto will be released during the general council meeting of the UDP on December 6.
On the by-election to the Gambegre seat in Garo Hills, the UDP leader said that whether or not to contest the seat it has left the decision to its leaders in that region.
Meanwhile, UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh said that the leaders of Garo Hills will send their report to the party, on whether it should contest the by-election or not.
Mawthoh also said that the UDP has leaders in Garo Hills region as well have sizeable support during elections held there even though it could not win a seat.
“The vote share in Garo Hills is quite sizeable and we will work proactively there,” the UDP general secretary said.
