In Mizoram, voters are gearing up for a critical by‑election in the Dampa Assembly constituency on November 11. The seat became vacant when former MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo died on July 21, leaving the state’s western Mamit district without representation.
Four candidates have officially filed their nominations, and all are fighting to win the constituency that borders Bangladesh and has a sizable Chakma and Reang tribal population. The candidates are:
- Vanlalsailova of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a well‑known singer‑preacher who is expected to bring new energy to the party.
- R Lalthangliana, vice‑president of the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and former state health minister, a strong contender for the party’s support base.
- John Rotluangliana, Congress state vice‑president and former minister, carrying the legacy of the party’s historic hold on Dampa.
- Lalhmangaiha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a former Congress leader who recently joined the saffron party.
The Election Commission set October 21 as the last day to file nominations, with scrutiny on October 22. Candidates can still withdraw until October 24, giving parties time to adjust their strategies. The vote will take place on November 11, and results will be announced on November 14 after a clear counting process.
The Election Commission has deployed three central observers—General, Police, and Expenditure observers—to ensure a fair contest. State police, led by Inspector General H. Ramthlengliana, have pledged robust security measures given the political importance of the seat.
Dampa’s final electoral roll, released September 30, lists 20,790 eligible voters, including 10,185 women. The constituency has long been a barometer of Mizoram politics. Once a Congress bastion since 1987, it fell to the MNF in 2018, signaling a shift in voter sentiment. The upcoming by‑election is therefore highly watched. A win for the ZPM could reinforce its growing popularity, while a victory for the MNF would not only boost the party’s morale ahead of the 2028 state elections but also help it keep its Leader of Opposition status—requiring at least ten seats in the 40‑member assembly.
Campaigns have already begun, with parties targeting the diverse electorate that lives along the Bangladesh border. The race is set to be one of the most closely contested in Mizoram’s political landscape, offering voters clear choices between the ruling ZPM, the opposition MNF, Congress, and the BJP.
Source: ianslive
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