Meghalaya has only 45% adult franchise

Shillong, Jan 11 (UNI) Only 45 per cent of Meghalaya's population can vote in the next Assembly elections slated this year.

As per the final electoral rolls published yesterday, of the 26 lakh population, the state has only 12.31 lakh voters, including 6,25,579 females and 6,04,647 males.

Chief Electoral Officer Prasant Naik told newsmen here that the publication of the draft electoral rolls clearly indicated that the electorate constituted only 45 per cent of the total population.

''Details are being worked out to show the break-up of voters in all 60 constituencies of the state,'' he said.

He said as soon as the date is announced, a notification would be sent within 21 days and the code of conduct would come into effect.

Candidates would be given 13 days to campaign in their respective constituencies.

Mr Naik also said the term of the seventh Meghalaya Assembly expires on March 10 and the Election Commission was likely to announce the poll date anytime.

''Once the election date is announced, the Code of Conduct will be in force,'' he said, adding official notification of the elections would be made within 21 days of announcement of the poll date.

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