Aizawl (Mizoram) : Since the counting began this morning, the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) established its lead in Mizoram elections and is all set to form the government in the State. The exit polls have already predicted advantage to the ZPM led by former IPS officer Lalduhoma, who is all set to stake claim for the government formation.
The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who strongly aimed to regain power, trailed in the results throughout. Mizoram was among the five states which went to polls in November. The Congress is also a major contender but is relegated to third place this time. The BJP, which won one seat last elections, is hoping to win more seats this time.
Some exit polls gave advantage to ZPM, which is expected to secure comfortable majority in the 40-member assembly. Both the national parties - Congress and BJP - are expected not to fare well enough. In 2018, the MNF won 26 seats and wrested power from the Congress, while the ZPM won eight seats.
It was scheduled originally for December 3, Sunday, along with four other states, but was postponed by a day following representations to the Election Commission by the civil society, citing Sunday as an important day in the religious calendar in the Christian-majority state.
There are four major contenders in Mizoram election fray, which voted to elect its 40-member legislative assembly on November 7. These contenders for power include the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), the Congress and the BJP.
Considering appeals by political parties and civil society organisations, citing the special significance of Sunday for the people of Mizoram, the Election Commission on November 29 officially announced the deferment of the counting of votes in the state to Monday. After a saffron wave swept the Hindi heartland, taking the BJP to decisive mandates in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and the Congress wrested Telangana from the BRS, all eyes have now shifted to the Northeast as Mizoram is to reveal its mandate on December 04.
Read More
