Aizawl: Complaints against Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and his adviser and MLA Dr Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah over the alleged violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) for the by-poll to the Dampa assembly seat will be sent to the Election Commission for review.
Joint Chief Electoral Officer Ethel Rothangpuii said the case arose from a complaint lodged by the Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), which accused the two leaders of breaching the Election Model Code of Conduct (EMCC) during the campaign for the Dampa assembly bye-election.
The MNF lodged a complaint with the CEO alleging that Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Dr. Chinzah recently announced several projects and distributed free medicines to the public, thereby violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Rothangpuii said that an explanation has been received by the CEO’s office from the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) after show cause notices were served to the chief minister and his adviser following the complaint.
“The CEO’s office will examine the explanation and forward the matter to the Election Commission of India on Monday for its final decision,” Rothangpuii said.
According to the complaint filed by advocate Zothansangi Hmar on behalf of the MNF, the Chief Minister, during a campaign launch at West Phaileng village on October 21, announced a new Rs 770 crore water supply project to be implemented at Reiek village.
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The complaint further alleged that Dr. Chinzah conducted free medical camps in Parvatui and Phulpui West villages on October 17, during which medicines were distributed free of cost.
Hmar stated that these activities violated specific provisions of the EMCC — namely Chapter II (j) and Chapter VIII, clauses (3) and (14).
