Imphal, February 13: Besides exuding confidence of getting maximum number of its sponsored candidates getting elected from the 11 Naga dominated Assembly Constituencies, the United naga Council (UNC) has reiterated that the elected independent candidates would not join Government formation.

During a UNC sponsored meeting in January this year all the intending Naga candidates had undertaken a declaration that, even if elected, they would not join any front or merge with any party in the formation of a new Government, reminded UNC president Paul Leo while talking to The Sangai Express.

�This stand underlines that our candidates, if elected, would remain in the Opposition,� Paul said.

On being asked as to how candidates sponsored by the UNC would emerge victorious in the just concluded first phase elections, he said �out of the three nominated by the Council in Senapati district and another three in Ukhrul we are confident that at least four of them will win the election.� To another query, the UNC chief said, �We don�t want to give wild speculation on our nominees� prospect of winning in the third phase polls covering Tamenglong and Chandel district ACs�.

Since the third and final phase polling is slated for February 23, it would be too early to spell out speculation, he explained and added that any change might take place during this period.

Stating that poll campaign is underway in full swing in the two districts and that the people�s response towards the UNC initiative is overwhelming, Paul also expressed confidence that the Council would pocket a good number of seats from the two districts.