Mizoram Elections 2023: Three-Way Contest Among MNF, Congress And ZMP. A Look At Key Northeast State

Mizoram Polls: The northeastern state is set for a three-way contest among the ruling MNF, Congress and ZMP that will make the electoral battle intense. Here's a look at its political profile

Mizoram Elections 2023: The northeastern state of Mizoram is the first one to go to polls on November 7 and the results of the polls will be declared on December 3. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana would vote after Mizoram while Chhattisgarh's first phase will take place on Nov 7 and second on Nov 17. With the ground set and dates in place, parties have begun campaigning in a bid to get maximum mandate in Mizoram elections. This time, it would be a three-way battle, unlike the usual bipolar faceoff between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and Congress.

With the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) entering the poll fray, the state's assembly election is going to be tough for MNF and Congress. Led by Lalduhoma, the ZPM has announced candidates for all seats. Lalduhoma will contest from the Serchip constituency where he won in a by-election. MNF has field Chief Minister Zoramthanga from his present constituency Aizawl East.

Apart from these two seats, Hachhek and Aizawl West-III would also be at the centre of the elections. While Hachhek is set for an intense battle between incumbent Congress legislator Lalrindika Ralte and current state Sports Minister Robert Romawia Royte Aizawl West-III is likely to witness a three-way tussle among MNF, ZPM, and the Congress.

Sitting ZPM MLA V.L. Zaithanzama will face off against former finance minister and current Congress President Lalsawta and MNF nominee K. Sawmvela. According to CNBC, this constituency holds importance as no party has won it consecutively since its creation in 2008.

Meanwhile, the ABP News-CVoter Opinion Poll hints towards a hung assembly as no party appears to be securing a clear majority on its own. The ruling MNF is projecting to win 13 to 17 seats, INC could win 10 to 14 seats, ZPM 9 to 13 seats, and Others 1 to 3 seats.

Mizoram's political landscape has predominantly been characterised by the Mizo National Front and Congress since it gained statehood in 1987. In these upcoming elections, the ruling MNF, led by CM Zoramthanga, aims for a second consecutive term in office. The MNF has governed for three terms since Mizoram's inception as a state. The principal rival, the Congress, has enjoyed four terms in power.

In the 2018 assembly polls, MNF secured 26 seats while Congress could manage only 5 out of 40. Independents performed better than Congress and won in eight constituencies and BJP got 1.