SHILLONG: The National People's Party (NPP) is all set to field candidates in 50 out of the total 60 seats in the 2018 state assembly elections.The party seeks to field 10 candidates in East Khasi Hills, seven in Jaintia Hills, 23 in Garo Hills and the rest in Ri Bhoi, West Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills, NPP state president WR Kharlukhi told the media here. Till now, NPP has received 14 applications for aspirants in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region. Former minister Don Massar has applied for a party ticket from Ranikor, NPP officials said. L Songsiang, who was also a minister, has sought to contest the Mawshynrut seat, party officials added. The party's regional election committee will meet on November 6 to discuss all applications.Several prominent Congress leaders like Prestone Tynsong, former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh and Sniawbhalang Dhar are expected to join NPP, party officials said. The party's preparations for the election are being overseen by Conrad Kongkal Sangma, son of the illustrious late PA Sangma. Conrad represents the Tura constituency in the Lok Sabha . NPP is an NDA ally at the Centre as a part of the ruling conglomeration in Manipur.In the meantime, the Election Commission of India (EC) will hold a two-day preparatory meeting with the state's chief electoral officer Frederick Kharkongor and senior police officials from Thursday.

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