Mizoram Council Poll: Voting Underway Amid Tight Security with 23,789 Eligible Voters

Aizawl: Voting for 12-member Sinlung Hills Council election in Mizoram is underway on Tuesday, amid tight security arrangements, an official said. Polling began at 7 am in 38 booths. Of se polling stations, 16, close to Assam and Manipur border, have been declared "critical", he said.

All entry points of council area near Assam and Manipur border have been sealed to avoid untoward incidents, official said.

Counting of votes will be held after 4 pm as soon as all ballot boxes reach constituency headquarters, he said.

Altoger 23,789 voters, including 11,914 women, are eligible to exercise ir franchise in polls.

Forty-nine candidates, including a woman, are in fray.

ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM)-Hmar People's Convention (HPC) combine and Congress fielded 12 seats each.

ZPM contested in 8 seats, while HPC minated four candidates.

main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) fielded 10 candidates and BJP one.

re are 14 independent candidates, including two Hmar People's Convention (Reformed) candidates backed by MNF.

SHC has 12 constituencies, comprising 31 vills in Hmar-majority rastern part of Mizoram, covering three assembly constituencies in Aizawl, Kolasib and Saitual districts.

In last polls held in vember 2019, MNF-HPC combine bagged 10 seats, and or two were won by independent candidates.

SHC was established on July 9, 2018, as a result of peace accord signed between Mizoram government and erstwhile underground outfit Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) or HPC(D) on April 2 that year.

council has 12 elected members and two minated seats.