Voting for the 19-member Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) started on Tuesday with tight security measures in place. People, including women, lined up at the 275 polling stations in urban areas to cast their votes.
Polling, which began at 7 A.M., will run until 5 P.M. A total of 2.39 lakh voters, including 1.26 lakh women, are eligible to vote for 68 candidates contesting in the civic body polls. Election authorities, in coordination with the state police, are ensuring a fair and transparent voting process.
The Mizoram government has declared a public holiday in AMC areas to facilitate voting. All government offices, educational institutions, and public sector establishments within the AMC jurisdiction will remain closed on the polling day.
Officials mentioned that almost 94% of senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and individuals with chronic illnesses have already voted through the home voting facility. The candidates, comprising 40 men and 28 women from four major political parties, are vying for seats in the civic body.
The ruling Zoram People’s Movement, the main Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), Congress, and BJP have fielded candidates. In the previous AMC elections in February 2021, MNF secured a majority with 11 seats. The Zoram People’s Movement won six seats, and Congress secured two seats.
Despite the municipality’s term ending on March 1, the election process was delayed due to administrative reasons. The State Election Commission has enforced the Model Code of Conduct, and votes will be counted on April 27.
