Aizawl: Around 75.15 per cent of voters had cast their ballots by 3 pm on Tuesday in the Dampa assembly by-election in Mizoram, a crucial contest that could shape the political mood ahead of the upcoming civic and council polls in the state.
The bypoll, held under tight security across 41 polling stations, was necessitated by the death of MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo in July.
More than 20,000 voters were eligible to vote in the constituency, which lies in Mamit district — Mizoram’s only aspirational district bordering Bangladesh and Tripura.
State Chief Electoral Officer Lalrozama said polling was proceeding smoothly, with minor glitches in VVPAT machines reported at a few stations before voting began.
“All faulty units were immediately replaced,” he confirmed.
The outcome of the Dampa bypoll holds high stakes for all three major political parties.
For the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a victory would be a morale booster ahead of the Lai Autonomous District Council elections scheduled for December 3 and the Aizawl Municipal Corporation polls early next year.
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For the Mizo National Front (MNF), the contest is equally critical.
A loss would reduce the party’s tally in the 40-member assembly, weakening its bid to retain the status of the main opposition, which requires at least ten MLAs. The MNF currently has nine.
The BJP, meanwhile, views the election as an opportunity to expand its presence in the Christian-majority state, where it currently holds two seats.
The Dampa constituency has a diverse demographic mix, with both Mizo and minority communities such as the Chakmas and Brus participating actively in the bypoll.
