Aizawl: The Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) has issued show-cause notices to two state ministers regarding an alleged breach of the model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of the village council and local council elections scheduled for February 12.
State Election Commissioner H Lalthlangliana confirmed the notices were served to Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vanlalhlana and Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar following a complaint by the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF).
Both ministers have been asked to provide an explanation by Monday. As of Sunday, the SEC had not received any other complaints related to MCC violations.
The MNF accused Minister Vanlalhlana of campaigning virtually for Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) candidates in the Durtlang local council from his ministerial office, a video of which recently went viral on social media.
The party claims this was a violation of the MCC.
Additionally, the MNF alleged that Minister Hmar had announced upcoming development projects and plans during a meeting with ZPM candidates on January 27, including the allocation of over Rs 45 crore for Aizawl West-II constituency projects.
Hmar reportedly mentioned the construction of a new market in Vaivakawn and a new inter-locality road between Dinthar and Tuikual South, named ‘Aizawl West Outlet.’
These actions, according to the MNF, contravened the MCC.
Officials confirmed that 6,829 candidates are contesting elections for 544 village councils (VCs) across nine districts, excluding areas in Lawngtlai and Siaha districts.
Additionally, 2,076 candidates are running for 111 local council seats within the Aizawl and Lunglei Municipal Councils.
A total of 6,942 candidates filed nominations for the VC elections, with 11 nominations rejected and 102 withdrawals.
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For the local council elections, 2,084 candidates nominated themselves, with two nominations rejected and six withdrawals.
Polling for both elections will take place on February 12, with vote counting scheduled for the same day at 7 pm or once polling concludes.
There are 2,416 seats across 544 VCs, with 613 reserved for women, and 723 seats in 111 local councils, 195 of which are reserved for women.
The total electorate stands at 4,37,708 voters for the VC elections and 2,44,726 for the local council elections.
