As Mizoram prepares to conduct its Assembly elections, we take a closer look at the crucial constituencies and prominent leaders in the state.
The major political parties vying for power in Mizoram include the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Congress, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Aizawl East-I
Aizawl East-I holds immense significance as Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who also leads the MNF, is contesting from this constituency. Zoramthanga, a two-time former CM, will face competition from Lalsanglura Ralte of the Congress and Lalthansanga of the ZPM in the upcoming election.
Aizawl West-III
The Aizawl West-III seat witnesses a three-way contest among the MNF, ZPM, and Congress. Lalswata, the current president of the Congress’s Mizoram state unit, represents the party in this constituency.
Serchhip
Lalduhoma, the leader of the ZPM, is set to contest the Serchhip constituency once again. In the 2018 Mizoram Assembly Election, he won from Aizawl West-1 but opted to represent Serchhip, becoming the Leader of the Opposition. Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer and former MP from Mizoram, defeated the five-time chief minister, Lal Thanhawla, in 2018.
Dampa
Dampa is a crucial seat for the BJP, with Vanlalhmuaka, the state unit president, as the party’s candidate. In the 2018 assembly elections, the BJP secured only one seat in Mizoram. The party aims to improve its performance this time, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju serving as the party’s election in-charge for Mizoram.
Tuichang
Mizoram’s Deputy Chief Minister, Tawnluia, will contest from the Tuichang seat. In 2018, he won from this constituency, defeating an independent candidate. Tawnluia is a prominent leader of the MNF and holds various portfolios in the state government.
The election is set to take place on November 7, with unemployment, drug-related issues, and the spillover of violence from neighboring Manipur expected to be significant concerns. The Mizos share ethnic ties with the Kukis, one of the tribes in Manipur, making the situation in Manipur relevant to the Mizoram elections.
The BJP is contesting 23 out of the 40 assembly seats in Mizoram. In the 2018 elections, it contested 39 seats and secured one, marking its first-ever win in the state assembly.
Over 8.52 lakh voters, including 4,13,064 males and 4,39,028 females, will cast their votes in 1,276 polling stations. Among these, 30 polling stations have been identified as critical.
The MNF aims to retain its ruling status, while the ZPM, BJP, and Congress seek to challenge the incumbent government’s hold over Mizoram. In the 2018 elections, the MNF won 26 out of the 40 seats with a 37.8% vote share, while the Congress secured five seats, and the BJP won one.
