The electoral process for the Mizoram 40-member assembly kicked off on Tuesday at 7 a.m. and will continue until 4 p.m., with authorities implementing comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful voting experience. Around 8.57 lakh voters, including 4.39 lakh women, are eligible to exercise their voting rights, which will decide the fate of 174 candidates competing for the 40 assembly seats. The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), and the Congress have all fielded candidates for every seat.


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 23 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has candidates in four seats. Additionally, there are 27 independent candidates participating in the electoral process.


Mizoram Election 2023: Prominent Candidates


Among the prominent candidates are MNF leader and Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga, who will be contesting from the Aizawl East-I seat, facing off against Congress candidate Lalsanglura Ralte and ZPM's Lalthansanga, who is the party's vice-president.


ZPM founder Lalduhoma is another key contestant in the Mizoram assembly elections. He will be contesting from the Serchhip constituency against Congress' R Vanlaltluanga and MNF's debutant candidate J Malsawmzual Vanchhawng.


Congress chief Lalsawta will be contesting from Aizawl West-III, pitted against ZPM candidate VL Zaithanzama and MNF's K Sawmvela.


BJP state unit president Vanlalhmuaka will be contesting from the Dampa constituency, a significant seat for the saffron party, as it was the only seat they won in the 2018 elections.


Mizoram Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia, who is also the MNF vice-president and the oldest candidate in the fray at 80 years old, will be contesting from the Tuichang constituency. He faces ZPM's W Chhuanawma in the election. 


Mizoram Election 2023: 7,200 Security Personnel Deployed, International Borders Sealed


Inspector-General of Police (Headquarters) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte confirmed that extensive security arrangements have been deployed, including the sealing of the state's international borders, news agency PTI reported. The primary aim is to uphold the principles of free, fair, and peaceful elections. In total, 7,200 security personnel have been strategically stationed across the state to safeguard the process.


Mizoram shares international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh and inter-state borders with Assam, Tripura, and Manipur. Notably, the election campaign leading up to this day has been marked by a notable absence of any untoward incidents, reflecting the commitment of Mizoram to upholding democratic values and ensuring the fairness of the electoral process.


In a statement issued on Monday, the state police appealed to the public to continue maintaining a peaceful environment throughout the voting process. They reassured the community that their commitment is to guarantee a secure and safe electoral process. The statement read, "We are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of every citizen. Our officers will be deployed throughout the state, working in coordination with other security agencies to maintain peace and order on the day of the elections", as quoted by PTI.


The results of the assembly elections will be determined and officially announced on December 3.


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