Shillong, July 28: Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr B.D.R. Tiwari has stated that the law allows a by-election to the Shillong Lok Sabha constituency to be held even after the six-month period following the vacancy of the seat.
Clarifying why the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet conducted the by-election despite the six-month deadline approaching, Dr Tiwari said that although the Representation of the People Act provides for a by-election to be held within six months of a constituency falling vacant, there are provisions under which the election may be held beyond the stipulated period.
Former Shillong Lok Sabha MP Ricky J. Syngkon passed away on February 19, 2026, meaning the six-month period for holding the by-election will end on August 19, 2026.
Dr Tiwari said the Election Commission has agreed to defer the by-election as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is currently underway in Meghalaya.
The by-election to the Shillong Lok Sabha constituency is therefore expected to be held after the completion of the ongoing electoral roll revision process.
