Shillong: Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar has approved February 21, 2025, as the date for elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). The results will be declared on February 24, as per the schedule finalised by the state cabinet.
The election notification is set to be issued on January 27, with nominations open until February 3. On the same day, nominations will be scrutinised, and candidates will have until February 4 to withdraw. The draft electoral rolls will be published on January 13, with claims and objections accepted until January 22. Processed claims will conclude by January 24, and the final rolls will be published on January 27, coinciding with the enforcement of the model code of conduct.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who oversees district council affairs, confirmed the Governor’s approval and emphasized the importance of adhering to the election calendar.
Political parties have already started preparing for the polls. The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has announced candidates for all 29 constituencies across both councils. The National People’s Party (NPP) has released its initial list, with 18 candidates for KHADC and 29 for JHADC. The Khasi Hills National Development Movement (KHNAM) has also declared eight candidates for the KHADC elections. Meanwhile, major parties such as the United Democratic Party (UDP), Congress, HSPDP, BJP, and Trinamool Congress are finalising their candidate lists.
The elections, initially delayed due to the delimitation of constituencies, mark a critical event as the current terms of both councils, extended twice, are set to conclude. Political parties are now gearing up to contest and shape the future of these pivotal councils in Meghalaya.
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