SHILLONG, MAY 1: National People’s Party (NPP) candidate Marcuise Marak today was elected as MLA of Williamnagar constituency after he defeated his closest opponent by over a margin of nearly 5,000 votes.
His victory has come as a major boost to the ruling NPP by increasing its strength to 20 in the 59-member House.
Marcuise polled 9,558 votes defeating his nearest rival Sengbath R Marak, who is an independent candidate for the seat. Sengbath however got only 4698 votes.
The result of the countermanded election to the constituency also came as a blow to opposition Congress ahead of that bye-election to the Ampati seat, which is scheduled for May 28. The seat was formerly represented by Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma.
Meanwhile, the former Congress MLA from the constituency Deborah C Marak came third when she secured only 4517 votes.
On the other hand, the NCP candidate Krinilla Marak got 4009 votes.
Altogether 9 candidates contested in the election to the Williamnagar seat, which was countermanded following the killing of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma in an IED attack, a week before the February 27 elections.
Speaking to reporters, Marcuise while expressing his gratitude to the people of Williamnagar for re-electing him as their representative said that he would try his level best to work for the upliftment of the constituency.
Earlier, Marcuise was elected as MLA in 2008 and was later defeated in 2013 by Deborah.
Asked, the newly elected MLA of the NPP admitted that the Congress decision to field two candidates (Deborah and Sengbath) has helped him win the election.
Meanwhile, chief minister Conrad K Sangma thanked the people of Williamnagar for having faith in the NPP and its candidate.
“On this occasion, as we celebrate the victory of NPP and our candidate Marcuise Marak, I would like to thank God for being with us in our journey and mission to create a new Meghalaya,” Conrad said in a statement.
“I am confident that Marcuise Marak will provide leadership and represent the voice and aspiration of the people of Williamnagar Constituency. Marcuise Marak has been part of our party for long and has worked hard to strengthen the party. His experience and leadership qualities will help NPP to further push growth and development in Meghalaya.I also put my appreciation and thanks to all party leaders, workers and supporters, who stood with us in our journey. This is a not just a victory for Williamnagar but for the people of Meghalaya,” he said while also dedicating this victory to the people, the party and his late father Purno Agitok Sangma.
By Our Reporter
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