Counting of votes for the Mizoram Assembly polls commenced on Monday, with elaborate security measures in place across all 11 districts of the state. Additional Chief Electoral Officer H. Lianzela confirmed that the counting process began with the postal ballots, followed the votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). More than 4,000 officials, including women, are involved in the counting process at 40 counting halls under 13 centers in 11 districts.
Director General of Police, Anil Shukla assured that adequate security measures have been implemented to ensure a smooth and peaceful counting process. Central Armed Police Forces and Mizoram Armed Police have been deployed to maintain law and order.
The high voter turnout of over 80% among the 8.57 lakh voters will decide the fate of 174 candidates, including 16 women. The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the BJP are among the parties with candidates in the fray. Notably, the BJP has focused on linguistic minority inhabited areas, particularly those with a substantial population of Reang and Chakma tribal communities. Additionally, 27 independent candidates are also vying for seats in the assembly.
The counting of votes, initially scheduled for Sunday, was rescheduled to Monday following appeals various political parties, NGOs, Civil Society Organisations, churches, youth and student bodies, and the influential Young Mizo Association (YMA). The polling for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly was held on November 7.