Aizawl: The Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) on February 6 pardoned Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vanlalhlana for breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the upcoming village council (VC) and local council (LC) elections scheduled for February 12.
The decision followed a show-cause notice issued to the minister after a complaint was lodged by the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF).
The SEC also issued a similar notice to Labour, Employment, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar in response to the complaint.
However, after reviewing the case, the commission ruled that Hmar had not violated the MCC, as his statements were limited to explaining government projects initiated before the elections.
In its order on Tuesday, the SEC noted that Vanlalhlana had admitted to the violation and expressed regret, stating he was unaware that releasing a video from his office on social media would breach the poll code.
The minister assured that the violation was unintentional and promised not to repeat such actions in the future.
Considering that this was his first infraction, the SEC decided to pardon him but directed him to delete the video and submit proof of compliance within three days. The ruling brings a temporary closure to the issue, as Mizoram gears up for the crucial local body elections.
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