Meghalaya: Winston Tony Lyngdoh Set to Become KHADC CEM Unopposed

Winston Tony Lyngdoh, the Voice of the People Party’s (VPP) Nongthymmai MDC, is poised to be elected unopposed as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) during a special council session on Tuesday.

His unopposed election was confirmed after the opposition alliance, Synrop Liang Iatei (Constructive Alliance), decided not to nominate a candidate for the CEM position.

On Monday, Lyngdoh filed his nomination papers in the presence of fellow VPP MDCs, including KHADC Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana, before Balentine Sohtun, the Secretary of the Legislative Wing. Lyngdoh submitted two sets of nomination papers: the first was proposed by Mawlai MDC Eddieson Kharumnuid and supported by Mylliem MDC Aibandaplin F Lyngdoh Nonglait, while the second was proposed by Mawphlang-Diengiei MDC Lancaster Marbaniang and backed by Jaiaw MDC Denzil R Chen.

“Following a thorough scrutiny, both nomination papers were found valid and accepted. With no other candidates contesting, Lyngdoh will be declared elected unopposed,” Sohtun announced to the media. The KHADC Chairman will formally declare Lyngdoh’s election during the session, followed by a felicitation ceremony by council members. The Legislative Wing, through the Chairman, will then notify Governor CH Vijayashankar of Lyngdoh’s election as CEM via the Department of District Council Affairs for official approval.

Titosstarwell Chyne, the Leader of the Opposition, earlier confirmed that the opposition alliance would not participate in the CEM election, emphasising their commitment to serving as a constructive opposition without interfering in the VPP’s internal arrangements. Chyne noted that the VPP, holding a majority in the council, has the clear mandate to appoint the CEM to lead the Executive Committee.

Chyne clarified that the election was necessitated by the resignation of former CEM Shemborlang Rynjah due to health concerns, and not due to political instability or shifts in MDC allegiances. He described the process as a smooth “passing of the baton” within the VPP. However, he acknowledged that the selection of the new CEM could not have been resolved solely through internal party discussions.