In Aizawl on Friday, voting began at 8 a.m. for the Dampa Assembly by‑poll, held on November 11. Officials kept the count tight and secure, with officials from Mamit District overseeing the process.
Postal votes were tallied first, then the marks from Electronic Voting Machines. The whole exercise took place in a single counting hall, with nine tables set up—one for postal ballots and eight for other votes. Each table was supervised by a counting supervisor and two assistants. Central observers from the Election Commission kept a close eye on the proceedings.
The by‑poll saw an 83.07 % turnout from 20,790 registered voters, including 10,185 women. The election was prompted by the death of opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.
Five candidates lined up for the seat:
- Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) – Mizo singer and preacher Vanlalsailova
- Mizo National Front (MNF) – Vice‑President and former Health Minister R. Lalthangliana
- Indian National Congress (INC) – State Vice‑President and former Transport Minister John Rotluangliana
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Candidate Lalhmingthanga
- People’s Conference – Vice‑President K. Zahmingthanga, the former Chief Minister’s party
Dampa shares an unfenced border with Bangladesh and borders Tripura, and its voters include sizable Chakma and Reang tribal populations.
The result will test the ruling ZPM led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma. A win would lift morale amid criticism from the MNF and could shape the upcoming Lai Autonomous District Council elections on December 3 and the Aizawl Municipal Corporation polls later this year. For the MNF, a loss could drop their strength to nine seats in the 40‑member Assembly, below the 10‑member threshold needed for the Leader of the Opposition post. The BJP, which has just two seats in the House, is also fighting to broaden its influence in this Christian‑majority border state.
The election’s outcome will be watched closely, as it could shift the balance of power in the region.
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