AIZAWL: The electoral atmosphere in Mizoram appears to have kicked into gear as the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) unveiled its list of candidates for 38 out of the total 40 assembly constituencies.
During a meeting of the party’s nomination committee on Saturday, the MNF concluded its selections for the majority of the constituencies for the assembly elections slated to take place sometime later in the year.
Interestingly, the party has refrained from fielding candidate for the Chalfilh and Aizawl South-II seats. Chalfilh constituency is currently represented by MNF leader Lalrinliana Sailo, while the Aizawl South-II seat is held by Lalchhuanthanga from the main opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM). A senior party leader has told the press that candidates for these two seats would also be finalised soon.
The decision not to select candidates for these two seats, have many eyebrows and speculations are abound if Sailo will be fielded by the MNF yet again.
However, in a thoughtful move, the MNF nominated political newcomer Lalremruata Chhangte for the Hrangturzo seat, as the incumbent MLA and Home Minister Lalchamliana has opted not to contest this time. Chhangte is a former student leader who previously served as the vice president of the MNF youth wing.
The primary opposition, ZPM had previously declared its candidates for 39 assembly constituencies, with the exception of the Chakma-dominated Tuichawng seat. The ZPM has announced its pre-poll alliance with the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) for the upcoming elections. According to their agreement, the HPC will support the ZPM and refrain from fielding any candidates to prevent the division of non-MNF votes.
The Congress, however, is also expected to finalize its candidates for the assembly polls in the near future.
As it stands in the current assembly, the MNF holds 27 seats, the ZPM 6, the Congress 5, and the BJP has one MLA. One seat remains vacant following the resignation of an MNF legislator. As the election season unfolds, political dynamics in Mizoram are sure to attract significant attention.
