AIZAWL: The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a robust six-party alliance, will form the government independently in Mizoram.
Election Commission trends at 12 noon revealed that the ZPM is leading in a staggering 27 out of 40 seats, with seven victories confirmed as the vote counting continues.
ZPM’s Chief Ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma, expressed confidence in forming the government, stating his intention to meet the Governor on December 5 to stake the claim.
“Swearing-in will be within this month,” Lalduhoma affirmed to the press.
Addressing the financial challenges facing Mizoram, Lalduhoma highlighted the need for financial reform and announced plans to establish a resource mobilisation team.
“Mizoram is facing financial crises…That is what we are going to inherit from the outgoing government. We are going to fulfill our commitment,” he added.
Lalduhoma, a 74-year-old patriarch of the ZPM, has a storied political career.
A former officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS), he entered politics after serving in Goa and overseeing the security of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the national capital.
Despite facing disqualification under the anti-defection law in the past, Lalduhoma persisted in his political journey, making history by entering the Lok Sabha in 1984.
In the last Assembly elections, he was chosen as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the ZNP-led ZPM coalition.
Despite disqualification as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 2020, he won the by-election for the Serchhip seat in 2021, showcasing his resilience and continued influence in Mizoram politics.
While the Election Commission of India has yet to declare the final results, the trends strongly indicate a shift in leadership, with the incumbent Chief Minister Zoramthanga losing in his Aizawl East-1 constituency.
He trailed behind his Zoram People’s Movement ZPM competitor, Lalthansanga, by 2,101 votes.
The incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF), according to the Election Commission of India, is trailing behind with 11 seats.
