Three-time legislator Metbah Lyngdoh was elected as new speaker of the 10th Meghalaya Assembly on Friday.
Lyngdoh succeeded former speaker late Donkupar Roy
Prior to the election, there was an anticipation that cross voting may take place as both the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) and the opposition Congress argued over the manner in which the voting should take place.
Lyngdoh was elected to the top post of the Assembly in the election through secret ballot which was conducted by deputy speaker Timothy D Shira.
Shira did not vote as he was conducting the proceedings in the House.
Lyngdoh, the consensus candidate of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) defeated his rival Winnerson D Sangma, candidate of the opposition Congress, who secured just 19 votes.
Lyngdoh, the former minister and three-time MLA, got 39 votes.
Lyngdoh was elected for the third consecutive term from Mairang Assembly Constituency since 2008.
Lyngdoh, who had held minister in-charge tourism, excise and water resources from March 6, 2018 resigned from the post on September 10, to pave way for his election to the Speaker’s post.
He is also the president of the United Democratic Party (UDP) who was elected to the post on September 11.
Chief minister Conrad K Sangma, leader of opposition Mukul Sangma and other legislators congratulated Lyngdoh.