New Delhi, Jan 31: The process for electing new representatives in Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura began today when the Election Commission issued the notification for the crucial exercise on February 26.

Balloting would be held for 65 assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh and 60 seats each in three Northeastern states on February 26. Three snow-bound constituencies of Himachal Pradesh --Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur and Pangi Bharmaur will go to polls in June.
The last date for filing nominations is February 7. The papers would scrutinised the next day and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 10. Counting of ballots will be held on March 1.

The term of the present assembly in Himachal Pradesh was due to expire on March 11, Meghalaya on March 8 and Nagaland and Tripura on March 22.

Simultaneously, by-elections will also be conducted in eight assembly constituencies spread over seven states-- two in Uttar Pradesh (Gauriganj and Haidergarh) and one each in Jammu and Kashmir (Pampore), Tamil Nadu (Sattankulam), Jharkhand (Poriyahat), Karnataka (Humnabad), Maharashtra (Bhokarden) and Assam (Ratabari). Bureau Report