Mizoram Assembly Elections: Polling concludes, over 77 percent turnout recorded

As many as 174 candidates were in the fray in the single phase elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly which began at 7 am on Tuesday and ended at 4 pm. Over 7,200 personnel were deployed across the state as part of the elaborate security arrangements to ensure a free and fair poll.

Aizawl (Mizoram): Polling for single-phase elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly ended on Tuesday with a turnout of 77.32 percent. People came in droves to caste their votes in the northeastern state which has over 8.57 lakh voters, including 4.39 lakh women. As many as 174 candidates were in the election fray. Tight security arrangements were made by the officials.

Here are the updates on today's poll-related happenings:

• According to the Election Commission of India, the northeastern state recorded a turnout of 77.32 percent. Serchhip district recorded the highest turnout of 84.49 percent while capital Aizawl recorded the lowest turnout of 73.09 percent.
• According to poll data till 3 pm, Mizoram has recorded a turnout of 69.87 percent. Tuichang seat reported a voter turnout of 77.12 per cent, Tuikum 81.33 per cent, East TuiPui 75.12 per cent, and Lawngtlai West 76.44 per cent. The polling has concluded for the day.
• About 52.73 percent voter turnout was recorded by 1 pm in the entire State. Serchhip district recorded the highest voter turnout of 60.37 per cent while Aizawl recorded the lowest (47.55 percent) during this period.
• About 17.28 percent voter turnout was recorded in the State until 9 am, as per the data of the election commission. About 15.39 percent voter turnout was recorded in Aizawl district and 20.93 Lawngtlai district.
• Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga could not cast his vote in the morning hours after the electronic voting machine (EVM) was found not working. The incident took place in the Aizawl North-II assembly constituency.
• Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has cast his vote in Aizawl South-II.
• There are 1,276 polling stations in the State and 149 remote voting centres. About 30 polling centres along the inter-state and international borders have been found to be critical and are declared vulnerable. Over 7,200 personnel have been deployed across the state as part of the elaborate security arrangements to ensure a free and fair poll, official sources said. The international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh have been closed by the election authorities to ensure a transparent poll.
• The main contest is between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), main opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and Congress, which are contesting in all the 40 seats. The BJP is contesting in 23 constituencies, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has nominated candidates in four assembly segments. Besides, there are 27 independent candidates. The counting of votes will take place on December 3 along with the four other States - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh.
• Prime Minister Modi called upon the people of Mizoram to vote in record numbers, particularly urging the young and first time voters to exercise their franchise and strengthen the festival of democracy.