AIZAWL: The Government of Mizoram has declared the February 16 (Tuesday) as a ''Public Holiday'' for government servants including employees of both Central and State Public Sector Undertakings, financial and educational institutions to enable them to exercise their right to franchise in the general election to the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC).
The stage has been set for the polls which will be held from 7 am to 4 pm. The votes will be tallied on February 18. In case of repolling, the repolling will be held on February 17, informed Mizoram State Election Commissioner Laima Chozah.
The term of the present AMC' ended in December 2020. But the election could not be conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. An administrator was appointed to run the civic body till the polls are held and results declared.
The 2021 AMC poll might see a three-way contest among the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF), chief Opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Congress. At least 66 candidates, including 20 females have filed nomination papers for AMC polls. The MNF, Congress and ZPM have 19 candidates each while the BJP has nine candidates.
During the previous election in 2015, the MNF won 11 seats, while the Congress got seven. The Mizoram People's Conference won one seat. Of the 19 seats in AMC, six are reserved for women. Polling will be held in 274 polling stations with EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). (Agencies)