Electoral politics in Meghalaya

Electoral politics in a participatory democracy assumes great significance since it is regarded as an index of popular consciousness, articulation and participation of the electorate in the decision making process. The ideas and actions behind the process of choosing by vote among candidates to govern the state is a vital part of the democratic functioning of the state. From 1952–67 there were nine territorial constituencies in the then United Khasi Jaintia Hills. After the formation of the state of Meghalaya, 60 assembly seats were assigned to it during the elections in March 9, 1972. Carved out of Assam in 1972, Meghalaya has seen 23 chief ministers in a span of 41 years barring the first government of Captain Williamson Sangma which completed its full term. Williamson Sangma was the first and last to head a single-party government. Since then, Meghalaya has seen fractured mandates, leading to volatile coalition governments. The formation of these coalition ministries provided more instability in the State. It is interesting to examine the reasons behind the fractured mandate in Meghalaya.