
The East Khasi Hills district administration is finalizing preparations for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) elections in 15 constituencies.
Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah announced that polling and counting will take place at the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Mawiong, instead of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, citing traffic congestion, board exams, and school reopenings as reasons for the shift.
Candidates from 10 constituencies will file nominations at ISBT, while Nonspung, Sohiong, and Sohryngkham will use the DC’s office in Shillong. Pynursla and Langkyrdem will file nominations at the SDO office in Pynursla. Final electoral rolls will be released on January 27, and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will take effect the same day.
Kurbah noted that Mawkynrew village remains under curfew due to protests over a school construction but assured that the issue would soon be resolved. The expenditure ceiling for candidates is ₹5 lakh, with a security deposit of ₹3,000. Permissions will be required for public meetings, rallies, and loudspeaker use. Carrying cash over ₹50,000 is prohibited unless pre-approved, and arms must be deposited.
EVMs are currently stored at ISBT and will be moved to strong rooms before being distributed to polling stations. Training sessions for ROs and AROs have been conducted, and election symbols will be shared with political parties soon.