AIZAWL: In preparation for the upcoming Mizoram assembly polls scheduled for November 7, a total of 174 candidates have submitted their nominations. This diverse group includes 16 women candidates, making the election a significant event in the state's political landscape. Election officials made this announcement on October 21, providing insights into the candidates' party affiliations, nomination statistics, and other key details.
All three major political parties in Mizoram, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the primary opposition party Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), and the Congress party, have put forth a formidable showing by fielding 40 candidates each. This sets the stage for intense competition in the upcoming polls. Among the MNF nominees, 25 are incumbent legislators, while ZPM has included six sitting MLAs in its lineup.
Furthermore, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have entered the fray, with 23 BJP candidates and four AAP nominees submitting their nomination papers. Additionally, 27 candidates have chosen to run as independents.
The participation of women in the electoral process is notable. Each of the MNF, ZPM, and Congress parties has fielded two women candidates, while the BJP has nominated three women. Seven women candidates are contesting as independents. Of particular interest, Lalruatfeli Hlawndo and Lalramdingngheti, both independent candidates, have submitted nominations for two constituencies each.
The election process will proceed with scrutiny of nomination papers, scheduled for Saturday, followed by the last date for withdrawal of candidature on October 23. On November 7, the actual polling for the Mizoram assembly will take place in a single phase. Counting of votes, however, is set for December 3.
A unique concern in this election cycle is the date of vote counting. Many political parties, churches, civil society organizations, and student bodies have collectively urged the Election Commission to reschedule the counting date. Their concern is that December 3 falls on a Sunday, a sacred day for Christians, who make up more than 87 percent of Mizoram's population. However, the Election Commission has not yet responded to these pleas.
A total of 8,56,868 electorates, including 4,38,925 female voters, are expected to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming assembly polls in Mizoram. In the previous assembly polls held in November 2018, the MNF secured 26 seats, ZPM claimed 8 seats, Congress won 5, and the BJP gained its first seat. The MNF further strengthened its position by defeating incumbent ZPM in two assembly by-polls, increasing its tally to 28. The 2023 election is expected to be a critical moment in Mizoram's political history, with a broad spectrum of candidates and parties vying for voters' support.
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