The United Democratic Party (UDP) will reveal its second list of candidates for the upcoming state elections soon.
Among the tranche of names will be the five sitting MLAs who are new entrants to the party. The big reveal will, tentatively, take place on January 9, UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh told Highland Post.
The five legislators are Mawlai Process Sawkmie (joining from the Congress Party), Sutnga MLA Shitlang Pale (Trinamool Congress), Mawkyrwat MLA and cabinet minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar (HSPDP), Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem (Congress) and Nongkrem MLA Lambor Malngiang (independent).
“We will be inducting another few aspirants from Garo Hills, including former MLA John Leslie Sangma from Tura and Dr P Sangma, besides others and also announce the names on January 9,” Mawthoh informed.
Although many sitting legislators are hankering to join the UDP, Mawthoh said that party protocols are being observed before they are inducted and awarded a ticket to contest the March polls.
Meanwhile, with regards to Mawphlang constituency, he said that the UDP will respect the wishes of sitting MLA Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who does not want to run again for the seat. The former star footballer replaced his father, the late SK Sunn, who died in 2021, in a by-election.
Mawthoh said that the party accepts Lyngdoh’s desire to do more for his football academy and other activities. The UDP has therefore picked a candidate who has a good understanding with Lyngdoh and other party leaders in Mawphlang. Lyngdoh, however, will continue to remain the party’s circle president and will work for the UDP in its campaign.
