The recent elections in Mizoram for the 40 assembly seats on November 7 had stirred anticipation as key contenders, including Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Congress, and BJP, engaged in a closely contested battle.
Exit polls hinted at a close competition between the ruling MNF, led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, and the ZPM, led by former IPS officer Lalduhoma. While some predictions favoured the MNF, others foresaw a victory for the ZPM. However, the early trends suggested that ZPM is on track for a significant triumph and that comes true.
All major players, MNF, ZPM, and Congress, contested all 40 assembly seats, while BJP participated in 23 seats. The election, held on November 7, saw a robust voter turnout of 80.43 per cent.
Originally scheduled for December 3, the counting day was moved to December 4 following requests from various quarters within Mizoram. The Election Commission, in an official notification, explained that the change aimed to accommodate the local sentiment as Sundays in Mizoram are dedicated to church duties and prayers.
Lalduhoma, a distinguished officer of the Indian Police Services (IPS), has played a pivotal role in leading the Zorom People’s Movement (ZPM), to establish governance in Mizoram. This represents a notable development, as they are positioned to replace the Mizo National Front (MNF), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in Mizoram, a state predominantly populated by Christians.
As of the latest update, ZPM has achieved a remarkable 27 seats in the state constituent assembly, surpassing the MNF (9), BJP (2), and Congress (1). It is worth mentioning that the counting process in the Lawngtlai West constituency is still ongoing.
Mr. Lalduhoma is looking forward to meeting the governor on Tuesday, as he prepares to assert the ZPM's claim to form the government. During the Mizoram Assembly elections, the current Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, experienced a loss in the Aizawl East-I seat against Lalthansanga of ZPM by a margin of 2,101 votes, as reported by the Election Commission (EC).
Deputy CM Tawnluia also faced a setback, as he was defeated by ZPM candidate W. Chhuanawma by a margin of 909 votes in the Tuichang seat. In the South Tuipui seat, Health Minister R. Lalthangliana fell behind, while ZPM candidate Jeje Lalpekhlua took the lead. Meanwhile, ZPM’s CM candidate Lalduhoma secured a lead in the Serchhip seat.
Mizoram results: ZPM's CM candidate secures victory in Serchhip; party on track to form government with 17 wins, leads in 10 seats
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/XIznQmRihY#MizoramElections2023 #Mizoram #ZPM pic.twitter.com/gt4fRt4fEU— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) December 4, 2023
Key ZPM victories include Lalduhoma's impressive win in the Serchhip seat, where he outperformed MNF rival J Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng by a margin of 2,982 votes. As the ZPM continues to make remarkable progress in Mizoram's political arena, it indicates a promising shift in leadership.
In conclusion, Mizoram is undergoing a significant transition as the Zorom People’s Movement, led by Lalduhoma, establishes its dominance. The election results indicate a reconfiguration of political dynamics in Mizoram, with ZPM emerging as a strong and influential entity. With the advent of new leadership, Mizoram's political landscape is poised to embark on a transformative path.
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