1. Mizoram assembly election results for 2023 witnessed a significant shift with the ZPM surging ahead.
2. ZPM, an opposition party, surpassed the ruling MNF in the early counting, indicating a noteworthy turn of events.
3. Initial trends from the Election Commission of India data showed the MNF leading in 28 seats, while the ZPM was ahead in 8 seats.
Aizawl, Dec 04: Mizoram assembly election results for 2023 witnessed a significant turn as the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the opposition party, surged ahead, surpassing the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) in the initial trends. The early counting indicated that the ZPM had gained an edge over the MNF, led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga.
According to data from the Election Commission of India, initial trends suggested that the MNF was leading in 28 seats, while the ZPM was ahead in 8 seats. Chief Minister Zoramthanga found himself trailing behind Zoram Peoples Movement candidate Lalthansanga by 640 votes in the Aizawl East I seat.
In Tuichang, a notable victory for ZPM occurred as W Chhuanawma defeated MNF’s Tawnluia, the present deputy chief minister, by a margin of 909 votes. The Election Commission data also revealed that the BJP was leading in three seats, while the Congress was ahead in one seat.
Also Read: Mizoram Elections 2023: Over 2000 Officials Engaged in Intense Vote Counting Process
The counting process for the 40 assembly seats commenced at 8 am, with 13 centers designated for the task. Postal ballots were counted first, followed by the counting of votes polled in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
A total of 399 tables for EVMs and 56 for the counting of postal ballots were set up, involving more than 4,000 personnel in the process. While some seats with fewer voters underwent two rounds of counting, most constituencies went through five rounds of counting.
The polling, held on November 7, saw over 80 percent of the state’s 8.57 lakh voters exercising their franchise. A total of 174 candidates, including 18 women, contested in the elections. The MNF, ZPM, and Congress contested 40 seats each, while the BJP fielded candidates in 23 seats. Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and 17 Independent candidates participated in the electoral fray.
Exit polls presented varying predictions, with some forecasting a clean sweep by the ZPM, while others hinted at a hung House with no party securing a clear majority. In the 2018 assembly elections, the MNF had won 26 seats, ZPM secured eight seats, and the Congress, with five seats, was relegated to the third position. The BJP had won one seat in the previous elections.
