Shillong: As voting is picking up in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma exuded confidence that the National People’s Party (NPP) would secure a second straight term at the hustings in the state.

“We are getting a good response from across the state. People are coming out in large numbers to vote. It is a good sign for democracy and we are confident to retain power,” Sangma told UNI over the phone after casting his votes at Walbakgre polling station under South Tura assembly constituency in West Garo Hills district.

“We have ensured political stability, peace and the developmental activities and the people have accepted it,” he said.

Scores of voters were seen queuing up at polling stations in the last two hours, even as Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor informed that voter turnout recorded is 44.73 percent at 1 pm.

“We are expecting that the turnout will increase and polling is going on smoothly with no report of the poll-related incident,” Kharkongor said.

Voting began at 7 am and will continue till 4 pm.

Women, particularly the first time voters, carrying voter slips cards were seen standing in long queues.

Polling personnel and troopers of Central Armed Police Force deputed for election duty helped the aged and the physically challenged voters at the polling stations.

“This is my first time to vote and I have exercised my adult franchise by voting for a right candidate

to represent Pynthorumkhrah constituency and the State as a whole in the Assembly,” S Mawlong, a first-time voter said.

(With UNI inputs)