AIZAWL: The Election Commission has officially issued the notification for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly elections scheduled for November 7. Candidate nominations have begun following the notification, a process that will remain open until October 20. Nominations will be scrutinized on the following day, with candidates able to withdraw their nominations until October 23.
Mizoram's political parties are collectively urging the Election Commission to reconsider the counting date, which is presently set for December 3. This date has drawn criticism as it falls on a Sunday, an important day of worship for Christians. As of now, the Election Commission has not made a decision regarding this request.
While this issue remains unresolved, Mizoram's Chief Electoral Officer, Madhup Vyas, led an online meeting with all 11 District Election Officers to discuss poll preparedness.
Mizoram's population is predominantly Christian, constituting around 87 percent of the total population according to the 2011 Census. Major political parties in the state, including the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), Congress, BJP, Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), and People's Conference (PC), are unified in their request to reschedule the counting date. They argue that Sunday is a sacred day for Christians, observed with church services throughout the state.
The Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), an organization representing various churches in the state, has also written to the Election Commission urging a change in the counting date. The MKHC's letter emphasized that "Sundays are sacred for Christians, and worship services are held in all towns and villages on that day."
The MNF, Congress, BJP, ZPM, and PC sent separate letters on Monday, all requesting the Election Commission to reschedule the counting date to any day between Monday and Friday to respect the sentiments of the Mizo people.
MNF Chief Minister Zoramthanga has announced candidates for all 40 seats, while the ZPM has announced 40 candidates. The Congress and the BJP have decided to field their own candidates in all seats and will soon reveal their nominees.
Also Watch: