The northeastern state of Mizoram in India is currently conducting its legislative Assembly election to elect representatives for the 40-member Assembly. A total of 174 candidates are competing in today’s poll. Major political parties in the contest include the Mizo National Front (MNF), Congress, and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), with candidates in all 40 constituencies. Additionally, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Independent candidates are vying for 23, 4, and 27 seats, respectively.
Mizoram Assembly Elections 2023
Mizoram is known for its relatively homogenous society with a single identity and ideology. The state is predominantly Christian and is home to two major political parties – one grounded in Mizo Nationalism and the other known for its secular politics, primarily centered around Mizo Christians. The Mizoram Assembly Election serves as a significant test to determine if the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) can influence the formation of the next government, with experts predicting the possibility of a hung assembly.
Traditionally, electoral battles in Mizoram have been contested between the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Congress. However, this time, a third front emerged in the form of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), making the Mizoram Assembly Elections a three-way competition. K Vanlalvena, an MNF Party candidate and Rajya Sabha MP, expressed confidence in his election prospects and emphasized his commitment to developing his constituency and addressing employment issues. According to the Election Commission of India, Mizoram had recorded a 26.43% voter turnout by 11 a.m. Lalnghinglova Hmar, a candidate from the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), stressed the importance of a corruption-free government as a key promise in this election.
At present, the Mizoram Assembly election for 2023 is underway. The Chief Minister of Mizoram, @ZoramthangaCM, has cast his vote and visited various polling stations in his constituency. There is a sense of optimism that the Mizo National Front (MNF) will secure a majority and form the next government without the need for a coalition. In parallel, as the polling process commenced for the Mizoram assembly elections, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged the state’s citizens to actively participate and bring about transformative change. Kharge stressed that the people of Mizoram are committed to preserving their culture, traditions, land, forests, and the Mizo way of life.’
In the 24-Champhai South Assembly Constituency in Mizoram, a remarkable 101-year-old voter has set an inspiring example by exercising his voting rights. Pu Rualhnudala, a centenarian, not only cast his vote but also arrived at the polling station with his 86-year-old wife, Pi Thanghleithluaii, showcasing an admirable display of a couple of goals during this assembly election season.