Mizoram Assembly Elections: Aizawl East-I set for a triangular contest

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

As polling is underway across the 40 seats in the northeastern state of Mizoram, Aizawl East-I is one of the key assembly constituencies, with the incumbent Chief Minister Zoramthanga seeking another term.

Zoramthanga, who is the chief of the Mizo National Front (MNF), won the seat in the 2018 assembly elections after defeating an independent candidate, K Sapdanga, with a margin of 2,504 votes.

Renowned for his unwavering commitment to Mizo nationalism, Zoramthanga has established a long-standing presence in the Aizawl East-I constituency. His influential role in Mizoram’s political history is evident through his prior service in key ministerial positions.

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However, this time, the assembly constituency is poised for a three-way contest, with the Congress fielding a first-time candidate, Lalsanglura Ralte, and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) vice-president Lalthansanga, who was successful in the 2008 assembly polls, also in the running.

Traditionally a Congress stronghold, Aizawl East-I has witnessed a shift in political dynamics. In the 2013 elections, Congress candidate R Lalrinawma emerged as the victor against Lalhmangaiha Sailo of the Mizoram People’s Conference.

This seat is anticipated to reshape the political landscape of Mizoram, given its historical significance and the fierce competition among prominent parties.

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In the previous Assembly polls, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) secured a significant victory with 26 out of the 40 seats, while the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the Congress Party won eight and five seats, respectively.

As the people of Mizoram cast their votes for the 40-member assembly on November 7 (today), the counting of votes will take place on December 3.