In a significant electoral development, Mizoram has witnessed a robust voter turnout of 12.80% as of 9 a.m., following the commencement of voting in the Northeastern state at 7 a.m., according to the Election Commission of India.
The state is currently engaged in the electoral process to choose its 40-member state assembly, with voting scheduled to continue until 3 p.m. The crucial counting of votes is set to take place on December 3.
Mizoram, known for its high literacy rate, has always had strong voter turnout. The state had an unprecedented 84.9% voter turnout in the 2018 elections, with 6,28,608 ballots cast.
Additionally, Mizoram is the only poll-bound state where neither the Congress nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the main competitors. The Mizo National Front (MNF) won 26 seats in the 2018 assembly elections, with a high vote share of 37.8%, unseating the Congress administration that had reigned for a decade.
The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), the regional party that surprisingly came second in the 2018 polls bagged eight seats. It is seen by many as the main contender to the ruling party.
Prominent candidates in this election include Chief Minister Zoramthanga of the MNF seeking re-election from Aizawl East-I, while the ZPM has nominated Lalthansanga as their contender. The state Congress chief, Lalsawta, is another key candidate contesting from Aizawl West-III. The election in Mizoram holds significance in shaping the political landscape of the state.