Shillong, Nov 13 (PTI) A voter turnout of 67.8 per cent was recorded at 3 pm on Wednesday for the by-election to Gambegre assembly constituency in Meghalaya, an official said.

Voting began at 7 a.m. amid strict security measures and will end at 4 p.m., he said.

“There is enthusiasm among voters and the polls are picking up. Reports are coming in that there are long queues at several polling stations,” Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer BDR Tiwari told PTI.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s wife Mehtab Chandee Sangma is contesting on an NPP ticket, while Jingjang M Marak of the Congress, Sadhiarani M Sangma of the Trinamool Congress, Bernard N Marak of the BJP and two independent candidates Sengkrabirth Marak and Jerry A Sangma are also in the fray.

The by-election for Gambegre constituency was necessitated after Saleng MP A Sangma representing the seat was elected to the Lok Sabha.

In total, 32,254 voters, including 15,923 women, can exercise their right to vote.

Of the 51 polling stations in the West Garo Hills district constituency, 31 are identified as critical. PTI JOP BDC RG

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