GUWAHATI: The state of Mizoram witnessed a significant political development as the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) emerged victorious by securing 27 out of the 40 seats in the recently concluded elections.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga lost his Aizawl East-I seat, post which he tendered his resignation to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
Mizoram is witnessing the rise of the ZPM, spearheaded by Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, MLA, and ex-Member of Parliament.
Founded in 2018, the ZPM emerged as a coalition of six regional parties: Mizoram People's Conference, Zoram Nationalist Party, Zoram Exodus Movement, Zoram Decentralisation Front, Zoram Reformation Front, and Mizoram People's Party.
Initially functioning as a non-political entity, the ZPM was officially registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) in July 2019. The ZPM marked its electoral debut in the 2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly elections.
The counting process, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday alongside Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, was deferred to Monday in response to appeals by various stakeholders, acknowledging the religious significance of Sunday in the Christian-majority state of Mizoram.
Polling in Mizoram occurred on November 7, with an impressive voter turnout of over 80 percent from the state's 8.57 lakh eligible voters. A total of 174 candidates, including 18 women, participated in the electoral race.
The MNF, ZPM, Congress, and BJP were the major contenders, with 40 candidates each from MNF, ZPM, and Congress, while the BJP contested in 13 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made its debut in Mizoram, contesting in four seats. Additionally, 17 independent candidates were in the fray.
