GUWAHATI: Early results from the Mizoram election on Monday reveal a favourable lead for the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM).
According to the initial data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the ZPM is currently leading in 26 assembly constituencies, with the Mizo National Front (MNF) following closely with 11 seats as of noon. The Indian National Congress (INC) is leading in one seat, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in two seats.
The latest figures from the Election Commission indicate that Lalduhoma, the ZPM's chief ministerial candidate, is in the lead in the Serchhip constituency with 1390 votes. The Mizoram assembly counting process, which commenced at 8 AM, is taking place across 13 centres and 40 counting halls. The state election commission has deployed 399 EVM tables and 56 postal ballot tables, managed by nearly 4000 personnel.
Originally slated for December 3, the Mizoram counting was rescheduled to Monday, recognising the religious significance of Sunday in this Christian-majority state. Four major contenders—MNF, ZPM, Congress, and BJP—are competing for victory in the Mizoram assembly elections held on November 7.
The political landscape of Mizoram, dominated by the Congress and MNF since 1987, has witnessed notable figures such as Zoramthanga, the President of the MNF and Chief Minister, who rose to prominence after the 1998 Assembly polls. Positioning itself as a primary challenger, the ZPM has nominated Lalthansanga, their party vice president, against the three-time Chief Minister.
The counting process is being closely monitored with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in the innermost cordon, while state police maintain the outer cordon.