Early counting trends in Mizoram that started on December 4 showed that the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) are edging closer to victory.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the ZPM was seen leading in 22 assembly constituencies. On the other hand, the Mizo National Front (MNF) was leading in 10 seats at around 9:52 am.
The Indian National Congress (INC) leads in one seat while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leads in two seats. As per the latest Election Commission of India data, Lalduhoma, the ZPM chief ministerial candidate is leading from Serchhip constituency with 1390 votes.
The counting of votes in elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly began at 8 am on the December 4. The counting is spread across 13 centers in the State with around 40 counting halls.
There are 399 EVM tables and 56 postal ballot tables distributed in 40 counting halls throughout the State. Nearly 4,000 personnel are involved in the counting of votes, according to the State Election Commission.
Counting in the Northeast State, which was initially scheduled for December 3 (Sunday) along with four other States, was pushed back by a day following representations to the Election Commission by civil society, citing an important day in the religious calendar in the Christian-majority State.
Considering appeals by political parties and civil society organizations on the special significance of Sunday for the people of Mizoram, the Election Commission on November 29 officially announced the deferment from the counting of votes in the State to Monday.
Four major contenders are in fray in the Northeastern State, the voting of which took place to elect its 40-member legislative assembly on November 7. These include the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the Congress and the BJP. Mizoram’s political landscape has been dominated by the Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF) since it attained complete statehood in 1987.
The MNF president and Chief Minister Zoramthanga stands out as one of the most prominent figures in this election. He became Chief Minister after the 1998 Assembly polls which put a stop to Congress’ 10-year rule.
The MNF governed for a decade until Congress returned to its winning streak in 2008 and 2013. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), positioning itself as the primary challenger in this election, has nominated their party vice president, Lalthansanga, as a contender against the three-time Chief Minister.
The elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly were held on November 7 with the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) facing a stout challenge from the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Congress, and the BJP.
Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed in the innermost Cordon and State police have been deployed in the outer Cordon
“…We started at 8 am with the postal ballots… Now we have started with round one of EVMs… Everything is peaceful… We have 12 counting halls…We are prepared for any victory procession and any celebrations that happen… We have CAPF deployed in the innermost Cordon and state police in the outer Cordon…,” said Deputy Commissioner Nazuk Kumar.
Source: ANI
