Mizoram Assembly Election Update: Counting Day Moves to December 4

The Mizoram Assembly election's vote counting has been rescheduled to December 4 from December 3. The decision came after appeals citing the religious significance of Sunday for the Christian-majority state. An exit poll forecasts a potentially hung assembly, with MNF emerging as the leading party.

Image Source -www.thehindu.com

The Election Commission of India (ECI) made an official announcement on Friday, altering the scheduled date for counting votes in the Mizoram Assembly election. Initially set for December 3, the new date now stands at December 4, following numerous appeals from various groups. The adjustment came in response to the substantial religious significance Sunday holds for the people of Mizoram, a state with a Christian-majority population.

A series of representations from diverse sectors led to the ECI's decision to revise the counting date for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram. The Commission acknowledged the significance of the requests and stated, "The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to revise the date of counting for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram from 3rd December 2023 (Sunday) to 4th December 2023 (Monday)."

Amidst this decision, the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee, a collective body representing major civil society organizations and student bodies including the Central Young Mizo Association and Mizo Zirlai Pawl, conducted widespread protests across the state. They passionately demanded the alteration of the vote counting date, echoing the sentiments expressed in the representations to the Election Commission.

Meanwhile, an exit poll conducted by India TV-CNX predicted an intriguing scenario for the upcoming election outcome. The survey suggested a potential hung assembly in Mizoram. Projections pointed towards the Mizo National Front (MNF) emerging as the most substantial party, potentially securing 14–18 seats out of the total 40 Assembly seats. The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), led by Lalduhoma, might follow with 12–16 seats, while the Congress could secure only 8–10 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might secure 0–2 seats, according to the exit poll.

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The polling for the 40-member Mizoram assembly took place on November 7, witnessing an impressive voter turnout of over 80% from the over 8.57 lakh eligible voters. Additionally, reflecting the flexibility exercised by the Election Commission, the polling date for the Rajasthan assembly elections was also altered from November 23 to November 25 due to the substantial number of weddings scheduled in the state on the initial date.