The polling in Williamnagar seat was postponed following the death of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma in an IED attack on February 18. File photo: Reuters

Polling in the Williamnagar Assembly seat in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district began on a peaceful note today amid tight security arrangements, officials said.

Polling for the seat was postponed following the death of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma in an IED attack on February 18, days before the February 27 Assembly election in the state.

Women voters in Garo costumes were seen queuing up at various polling stations across the constituency since morning. A total of nine candidates are in fray.

Voting will end at 4 pm in all 58 polling stations, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) F R Kharkongor said.

Four companies of central armed police forces have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the elections, the chief electoral officer said.

There are more than 32,000 registered voters in the constituency, of which 16,713 are male voters and 15,632 females, the CEO said.

The ruling National People's Party (NPP) has fielded former MLA Marcuis N Marak while Deborah C Marak is the Congress candidate.

The NCP, whose candidate Jonathone N Sangma died in an IED attack on February 18, has fielded his wife Krenila Marak.

The NPP, the BJP, the United Democratic Party and the NCP are part of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, bur are contesting this election on their own.