1. Historic Mandate 2023 in Mizoram witnesses a power shift from MNF and Congress.
2. Notably, multiple women are elected as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) for the first time.
3. Since gaining statehood in 1972, Mizoram previously had one woman MLA in each election.
Aizawl, Dec 06: For the first time in Mizoram’s history, the recently concluded Mandate 2023 election marked not only a shift in power from the Mizo National Front (MNF) and Congress but also witnessed the election of more than one woman to the 40-member Assembly.
Mizoram, after gaining statehood in 1972, had its first woman MLA six years later with L. Thanmawii of the People’s Conference. Over the years, the state saw three more women legislators, with each election featuring a sole woman candidate.
However, the recent election saw a notable change as Lalrinpuii, Baryl Vanneihsangi (both from Zoram People’s Movement), and Prova Chakma (MNF) secured victories, resulting in a record-breaking strike rate of 0.19 for women candidates, compared to the men’s 0.23.
Lalrinpuii emerged victorious in the Lunglei East seat, defeating Joseph Lalhimpuia of the Congress by 1,646 votes. Baryl Vanneihsangi, the youngest MLA-elect at 32, won the Aizawl South-III seat, triumphing over F. Lalnunmawia of the MNF by 1,414 votes. Prova Chakma secured the West Tuipui constituency, defeating Nihar Kanti Chakma of the Congress by 711 votes.
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Reflecting on the historic achievement, Baryl Vanneihsangi, a former radio jockey, emphasized the global trend of breaking barriers for women. However, she acknowledged the challenges ahead in meeting the people’s expectations and contributing to systemic change.
Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) doubling its seat count from two to four in the past five years, its improved performance is unlikely to position it as a major force in the Christian-majority state. The BJP fielded 23 candidates, with K. Beichhua and K. Hrahmo winning from the southern Siaha district. However, the party’s vote percentage decreased from 8.09% in 2018 to 5.06% in this election.
While the BJP aimed to make inroads in constituencies with significant Bru community voting strength, it faced defeats, with the party’s State president Vanlalhmuaka losing the Dampa seat and Lalrinliana Sailo finishing fourth in Mamit. The BJP’s diminished influence is attributed to Mizoram’s predominantly Christian context, where the party’s perceived Hindutva agenda raises concerns among the electorate.
The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), victorious in the election, is expected to be cautious about aligning with the BJP, emphasizing the state’s unique political dynamics in the northeastern region.
