Aizawl, Oct 27: In preparation for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly polls scheduled for November 7, 2023, authorities are deploying a substantial security force comprising 3,000 police personnel and 450 sections of central armed police forces (CAPFs). This decision aims to ensure a secure and peaceful electoral process, as confirmed by Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Madhup Vyas.
Vyas emphasized the Election Commission’s commitment to conducting a smooth, free, fair, and peaceful election. To achieve this, significant reinforcements have been made, including ten companies of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, five companies each of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). These forces have already arrived in Mizoram and have taken their designated positions. Notably, a section comprises 12 personnel, making a total of 5,400 CAPFs personnel.
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Additionally, arrangements have been made to have a helicopter on standby in Aizawl on polling day for swift response to any emergent situations. Since the announcement of the election, authorities have seized contraband items, including cash, drugs, liquor, and others, with an estimated value of Rs 36.32 crore.
The upcoming elections will take place in a single phase on November 7, with the vote counting scheduled for December 3. Due to the counting date falling on a Sunday, which is a holy day for Christians, several political parties and organizations have requested a change in the date. These requests have been forwarded to the Election Commission, although they have yet to receive a response.
With over 8.57 lakh eligible voters, including 4,39,026 female electors, and 1,276 polling stations, around 30 have been identified as critical by Vyas. A total of 174 candidates, including 18 women, will be contesting in the elections. Notably, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition party Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), and the Congress have fielded candidates in all 40 seats.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have nominated candidates for 23 and four seats, respectively. In addition, 27 candidates are running as independents. Four constituencies, including Aizawl North-III, Aizawl South-I, Serchhip, and Lunglei West, will witness a six-cornered contest, while Tawi, Champhai South, East Tuipui, and South Tuipui constituencies will experience a three-cornered fight with the fewest candidates.
