The National People’s Party (NPP) on Monday released its first list of 24 candidates for the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), marking the beginning of the party’s formal preparations for the polls across the Garo Hills region.
The list was announced through an official notification issued by NPP state president Prestone Tynsong after the party’s State Election Committee approved the names. The candidates announced in the first phase will contest from constituencies spread across West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills and North Garo Hills districts. Party leaders said the selection process was carried out after consultations with local units and senior party members to ensure representation from different areas.
Among the candidates named in the first list are Calis G. Momin from Siju, Jewil S. Marak from Wagesik, Charmingstar N. Sangma from Tura, Sanjay Koch from Betasing and Sengbath R. Marak from Williamnagar. Other nominees include Sengchim N. Sangma (Gasuapara), Kapilson A. Sangma (Barengapara), Rakesh A. Sangma (Babelapara), Balsrang Arengh (Amongpara), Kredithson Ch. Marak (Dengnakpara), Linekar K. Sangma (Nogorpara), Sanjay A. Sangma (Zikzak), Arbinstone B. Marak (Rochonpara), Anseng A. Sangma (Asananag), Andresh Ch. Marak (Balachanda), Maxwell M. Sangma (Batabari), Peterjop A. Sangma (Shyamnagar), Grahambell A. Sangma (Jengjal), Sunny Rogers G. Momin (Rongrong), Pongseng R. Sangma (Bolsong), Dolly K. Sangma (Damas), Mody M. Sangma (Kharkutta), Henen R. Sangma (Darugre) and Nihim D. Shira (Samandagre).
Party sources said the remaining candidates for five constituencies—Raksamgre, Naguapara, Bocdamgre, Silkigre and Rongrikkimgre will be announced in the next phase after further discussions within the party.
The GHADC elections are considered important for political parties in the Garo Hills region, as the council plays a key role in local governance, administration of traditional institutions and development planning in the autonomous areas. With the announcement of the first list, the NPP has started its campaign preparations, and party leaders are expected to begin outreach programmes and meetings in the constituencies in the coming days.