GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared the schedule for the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram on Monday. Slated for November 7, the counting of votes will take place on December 3, ensuring the entire electoral process wraps up by December 5. This announcement heralds the final major electoral event preceding the 2024 national elections.
Addressing the press during the announcement, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stressed on the unique significance of the impending polls in the five states, including Mizoram. He said, “This serves as the ultimate assembly election curtain-raiser before the grandeur of the National Elections in 2024. The ECI is committed to supervising elections that are free, fair, and devoid of inducements in these states.”
The political landscape in Mizoram experienced the last assembly election in 2018 for its 40 seats. The Mizo National Front (MNF) emerged triumphant, thereby establishing the government. The term of the current Mizoram assembly is slated to conclude on December 17.
Earlier on October 4, the MNF had kicked off its campaign for the upcoming polls with a bold claim of securing 30 out of the 40 seats. Party chief and the state’s Chief minister, Zoramthanga, had expressed his confidence in securing a majority and forming the next government in Mizoram. He had boldly told the press, “We will win about 30 of the 40 seats in the upcoming polls.”
The MNF President had also revealed his decision to contest from Aizawl East – I, the same seat he had won in the 2018 assembly polls. Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia aims to retain his Tuichang assembly seat, he added.
Interestingly, of the 28 sitting MNF MLAs, only three have not been nominated for the 2023 election. Noteworthy among them is Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo. Meanwhile, Home Minister Lalchamliana has opted out of the re-election race, and Dr K. Beichhua, having been ousted from the MNF, has aligned with the BJP and will contest under their banner.
