The Garo National Council (GNC) has released its first list of seven candidates for the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), formally beginning its preparations for the polls scheduled in April. Party leaders said the early announcement is part of a strategy to strengthen the party’s organisational presence and prepare candidates well in advance of the election campaign.
According to the party, Augustine R. Marak has been nominated from Silkigre, Nikman Ch. Marak from Rongrikimgre, Jakrak A. Sangma from Amongpara, Deson Marak from Dengnakpara, Geobar B. Marak from Asanang, Sengba D. Sangma from Rongrong, and Chibasai Lampard R. Marak from Williamnagar. These candidates will represent the party in their respective constituencies in the GHADC polls scheduled for April 10.
GNC vice president Henyshing A. Sangma said the party is continuing the process of selecting candidates for the remaining constituencies. He stated that the party leadership has kept its doors open for new aspirants and interested candidates who wish to contest the elections under the party’s banner. According to him, discussions with local leaders and party workers are still ongoing, and additional names will be announced in the coming weeks.
Political activity has intensified across the Garo Hills region as several parties have started releasing their candidate lists and preparing for campaign activities. The GHADC election is considered important for local governance in the region, as the council plays a key role in administering tribal areas and handling matters related to local development, customary practices, and certain legislative responsibilities under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has also taken an early lead by releasing its first list of 24 candidates for the council elections. The list was approved by the party’s State Election Committee in Shillong earlier this week. The candidates named by the NPP include nominees from several constituencies such as Siju, Wagesik, Gasuapara, Baghmara, Tura, Damas, Kharkutta, Rongrong, Bolsong, Samandaggre, Darugre, and Williamnagar.
Among the prominent names in the NPP list are Calis G. Momin from Siju, Jewil S. Marak from Wagesik, Sengchim N. Sangma from Gasuapara, Kapilson A. Sangma from Baghmara, and Charningstar N. Sangma from Tura. Dolly K. Sangma has been nominated from Damas, while Mody M. Sangma will contest from Kharkutta. Party leaders said the early release of candidates is aimed at giving nominees sufficient time to connect with voters and organise campaign activities at the grassroots level.
The state government has already announced the full election schedule for the GHADC polls following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. As per the schedule, the official gazette notification for the elections will be issued on March 9. March 16 has been fixed as the last date for filing nominations, and scrutiny of nomination papers will take place the same day after 3 pm. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until March 17, and the final list of valid candidates along with the allotment of election symbols will be completed on March 18.
Polling for the GHADC elections will be held on April 10, and counting of votes is scheduled for April 14. Election authorities have said that preparations are already underway in coordination with district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the polling process is conducted peacefully and smoothly across all constituencies.