Several sitting MDCs of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) are not looking to retain their seats in the council at the upcoming elections.
Prominent among them is Mawkynrew MDC and veteran regional leader Martle N Mukhim of the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).
Paul Lyngdoh of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who is a cabinet minister and West Shillong legislator and also the outgoing Jaiaw MDC, has also opted out of the race.
Mylliem MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh, of the Congress, who is also the Mylliem MDC is also not contesting.
Sherborlang Mawlong, who won the 2019 MDC election on a HSPDP ticket from Nongspung-Sohiong but later on switched allegiance to the National People’s Party (NPP), has given way to former legislator Samlin Malngiang, who will contest on the ruling party’s ticket.
Bajop Pyngrope, who also changed allegiance to the NPP after winning the 2019 polls on a Congress ticket, will not contest from Rambrai-Jyrngam constituency. He has given way to former MLA Kimfa Marbaniang, another Congress turncoat.
The others include Gigur Myrthong, also of the NPP, will not be contesting from Mawshynrut in the 2025 district council elections. Sitting NPP MLA from Nongstoin Gabriel Wahlang, who is also the sitting MDC, will not contest the upcoming polls.
Charles Marngar, who like Wahlang, won the 2019 MDC and 2023 Assembly elections on a Congress ticket but switched to the NPP last year, will not be contesting this year’s district council polls for the Jirang seat.
It is also learnt that veteran regional leader of the UDP and nominated MDC Bindo M Lanong will not be contesting the upcoming election. His daughter, Deity Majaw, will contest from Malki-Laitumkhrah on a Voice of the People Party (VPP) ticket.
Meanwhile, Shella and Nongthymmai constituencies will elect new MDCs after Teinwell Dkhar and Latiplang Kharkongor died during their tenure.
Chief Executive Member of the KHADC, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, who won the 2019 polls from Sohryngkham on a NPP ticket, will contest from Nongthymmai this time.
Mawlai MDC, Teiborlang Pathaw, bucked the trend and quit the NPP to run as an independent.
The KHADC and the JHADC go to polls on February 21 and counting will be held on February 24.
