1. Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee delegation travels to Delhi to meet Election Commission officials.
2. The objective is to request a change in the vote-counting day for the state assembly polls.
3. ECI has set December 3 as the counting day, prompting concerns about a clash with church programs in the Christian-majority state.
Aizawl, Nov 24: A delegation from the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC), representing various civil society and student organizations, has headed to Delhi with the aim of meeting Election Commission officials to request a change in the vote counting day for the state assembly polls.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled December 3 as the day for counting votes for five states, including Mizoram. However, since December 3 falls on a Sunday, major political parties in the Christian-majority state, along with civil society organizations, have urged the ECI to change the day due to its clash with church programs. The ECI, despite requests, has maintained its decision, stating that counting, unlike polling, does not involve the general public, and they are free to engage in their activities on that day.
The six-member delegation from the NGOCC has headed to Delhi without a prior appointment with any ECI official.
Malsawmliana, the general secretary of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), expressed optimism about the meeting, despite not having an appointment. He stated that they were advised by some officials to reach Delhi and attempt to meet with ECI officials on Friday.
CYMA president Lalhmachhuana mentioned that during the meeting, they would try to meet the chief election commissioner and request a rescheduling of the counting date.
Also Read: Qatar Court Accepts Appeal of Former Indian Navy Personnel Sentenced to Death
The Mizoram assembly, consisting of 40 members, conducted polling on November 7, where over 80% of the 8.57 lakh voters cast their votes to determine the fate of 174 candidates.
Various political parties, including the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the BJP, along with church and student bodies, have written to the ECI, urging them to reschedule the counting date. The NGOCC has also joined these appeals, suggesting alternative dates such as December 4 or 5 to avoid falling on a Sunday, considering that Christians make up 87% of Mizoram’s population according to the 2011 census.
