Northeast Desk, 4th December: In a significant setback, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga of the Mizo National Front (MNF) has lost the Aizawl East 1 seat in the state elections. He faced defeat by 2,108 votes to his rival MNF candidate Lalthansanga, who secured a total of 8,472 votes.
Despite Zoramthanga’s defeat, the MNF is trailing in the overall seat count, leading in only ten seats. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has taken a substantial lead, securing 26 seats, positioning itself comfortably to form the next government in Mizoram.
ZPM has reportedly instructed its winning MLAs to gather in the state capital, Aizawl, indicating its intent to form the government independently without forming any alliances. The party seems poised to achieve a significant majority in Mizoram.
With over 80% voter turnout in the state, 174 candidates, including 18 women, contested for the 40-member state assembly. A party needs to surpass the halfway mark of 21 to establish a government in Mizoram.