The battle for Mizoram 2018: 209 candidates for only 40 seats

Assembly elections in Mizoram have kicked-off at 7 am on Wednesday and the voters coming out in large numbers with a curvy smile in their faces denotes their faith and trust on their democratic right. The November 28 polls in Mizoram witnesses eight political parties contesting for the 40 seats with the ruling Congress and MNF being the strong contenders. However, BJP plays the third important player in the polls followed by the regional parties ZPM, NPP and PRISM.

Congress and MNF are contesting for all 40 seats with 40 candidates each, however, BJP is putting up 39 candidates. Meghalaya-based NPP has put up 9 candidates. Other local parties, ZPM and the NGO-turned newly floated People’s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) are also in the run for votes with 34 and 14 candidates, respectively.

Some of the highlights of the Mizoram elections this year include the former IPS officer and security in-charge of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Lalduhoma who heads the local political party ZPM as its President. Then there is Aizawl FC owner Robert Romawia Royte who has also decided to contest in the Assembly elections.

Speaking about the chances of political parties in the ongoing election, a Mizoram University political science professor SAID, “BJP and NPP do not have much base in Mizoram. If any of their candidates win, it will be on the basis of that person’s abilities and personality.”

The ruling party in Mizoram, Congress has been power for 10 since 1987, but this year, the party suffered a major setback ahead of the elections. As five key leaders of the party which also includes Home Minister R. Lalzirliana and Speaker Hiphei, the party got shaken to the core. However, despite the major shocks, the national political party is leaving no stone unturned in making sure that the election campaigns stand out and leave an impression on the voters.

Also Read: Over 73 percent cast votes in Mizoram