Aizawl: Mizoram’s major political parties — the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), and the Congress — on Wednesday announced their candidates for the upcoming elections to the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC).
Polling for the 25-member council, one of the three autonomous districts in the state, is scheduled for December 3, with vote counting on December 9.
ZPM president Lalliansawta released the list of 25 candidates at a function in the party’s Aizawl office. He said the selection was made through a secret ballot after an eight-member search committee evaluated 116 aspirants.
MNF president Zoramthanga also announced his party’s 25 candidates during a similar event, confirming that the MNF would contest all seats.
The Congress declared the names of 10 candidates on Wednesday, with spokesperson Dr. Lallianchhunga stating that the remaining 15 names would be announced soon.
“The party will contest all 25 seats,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP media convener Johny Lalthanpuia said the party would release its candidate list after consultations with its central leadership.
According to the Mizoram State Election Commission, the last date for filing nominations is November 14, while withdrawals can be made until November 17.
A total of 56,873 voters, including 29,019 women, are eligible to cast their votes in the election.
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In the previous LADC polls held in 2020, the MNF secured a dominant victory, winning 20 out of 25 seats, while the BJP and Congress won one seat each, and three independents were also elected.
The term of the current council ends on December 18. Constituted in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the LADC represents the Lai tribal community and includes 25 elected and four nominated members.
