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The filing of nominations for the single-phase assembly elections in Mizoram concluded on Friday, with a total of 174 candidates submitting their nominations, which notably included 18 women candidates.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga filed his nomination from Aizawl East I on the final day for nominations. Speaking to the media after submitting his nomination, Zoramthanga, who also serves as the President of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), expressed his confidence in the party’s prospects. He stated that he believes the MNF will retain power and secure more than 25 seats out of the 40-member assembly in the upcoming elections.
Acknowledging that the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) would be a formidable opponent, Zoramthanga remained resolute in his belief that the voters are content with the MNF’s performance. He asserted that in this year’s election, the party will win over 25 seats, reflecting the party’s dedication to the state’s development.
In response to a statement by Rahul Gandhi alleging that the MNF and ZPM are tools for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to establish a foothold in Mizoram, Zoramthanga clarified that the MNF has no affiliations or agreements with the RSS. He explained that the MNF is a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) at the national level, underscoring the party’s distinct political ideology from that of the BJP.
In the previous assembly polls held in November 2018, the MNF secured 26 seats and received 37.69 percent of the total votes cast. Subsequently, the party won two assembly by-elections, raising its total to 28 seats.
Mizoram is scheduled to go to the polls on November 7 to elect 40 members of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly. This election will play a crucial role in determining the state’s leadership and governance.
