Aizawl: The by-election to the Dampa assembly constituency in Mizoram’s Mamit district is expected to be held alongside the upcoming Bihar assembly polls, officials said on Sunday.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to announce the schedule shortly.
In a statement, the poll body said 470 officers have been deployed as central observers for the Bihar elections and bypolls in one Union Territory and six states, including Mizoram.
This move, officials noted, signals that the official dates for both elections will be declared soon.
According to the ECI, the observers include 320 IAS officers, 60 IPS officers, and 90 from other central services, tasked with ensuring free and fair polls.
The Dampa seat has been vacant since the passing of Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.
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Political parties have already announced their candidates for the contest.
The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has nominated well-known Mizo singer and preacher Vanlalsailova, while the MNF has fielded its senior vice president and former health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana.
The Congress has put forward state vice president and former minister John Rotluangaliana, while the BJP has chosen Lalhmangaiha, a former Congress leader who recently switched allegiance to the saffron party.
