Over 90% turnout in Gambegre bypoll

Shillong: A huge voter turnout of over 90% was recorded in the Gambegre assembly bypoll in the West Garo Hills district held on Wednesday, with peaceful voting reported across the constituency. Chief election officer BDR Tiwari told the media that 90.84% polling was recorded by 6 pm, adding that the final voting percentage was expected to increase. "The final figure is likely to change," the CEO said, noting that the by-poll was peacefully conducted from 7 am to 4 pm. The results of the byelections will be declared on Nov 23. The bypoll was necessitated following the resignation of sitting MLA Saleng Sangma of the Congress after winning the Tura Lok Sabha seat by defeating sitting MP Agatha Sangma of the National People's Party (NPP) earlier this year.It's a multi-cornered contest with the ruling NPP fielding Chief Minister Conrad Sangma's wife and practicing physician Mehtab Chandee Agitok Sangma, who is pitted against Sadhiarani Sangma (Trinamool Congress), Jingjang Marak (Congress), Bernard Marak (BJP), and two Independents, Sengkrabirth Marak and Jerry Sangma. The CM, who is also NPP national president, campaigned extensively in support of his party candidate and wife, appealing to the electorate to vote for the ruling party for the sake of rapid development in the constituency. Former CM and TMC leader Mukul Sangma, who is also a practicing physician, campaigned for his party candidate and sister-in-law Sadhiarani, wife of Zenith M Sangma, former minister and younger brother of Mukul.