The Election Commission has set the timetable for the upcoming Dampa Assembly by‑poll in Mizoram. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that voters will head to the polls on November 11 and vote counting will take place on November 14.
The official notification is scheduled for October 13. Candidates must file their nominations by October 21. After the election commission reviews the papers on October 22, the final withdrawal period ends on October 24.
The seat was vacated when opposition MLA Lalrintluanga Sailo of the Mizo National Front (MNF) passed away on July 21. The contest now features four serious challengers:
- Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) – ruling party of Mizoram – will run Vanlalsailova, a popular singer and preacher.
- Mizo National Front (MNF) – opposition – fields Dr. R. Lalthangliana, the party’s senior vice‑president and former health minister.
- Indian National Congress – loyal to the state’s long‑running political tradition – nominates John Rotluangaliana, the state unit vice‑president and former minister.
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – recently bolstered by former Congress leader Lalhmingthanga, who joined the party last year.
All four teams have already begun campaigning in Dampa, a border constituency that sits next to Bangladesh and houses significant Chakma and Reang minority communities. According to the final electoral rolls released on September 30, 20,790 voters are registered, including 10,185 women.
The Congress, which once held Dampa from 1987 to 2018, is hopeful for a comeback. State Congress president Lal Thanzara says the party’s long‑time support base remains strong, and a win would reaffirm its influence in the region.
For the ZPM, a loss could hint at dwindling support before the next state elections in 2028. The MNF, on the other hand, seeks a victory to rebuild its stature and secure the Leader of the Opposition’s seat, which it can keep only with at least ten seats in the 40‑member Assembly.
With tight deadlines, multiple candidates, and high stakes for all major parties, the Dampa by‑poll is set to become one of the most closely watched political battles in Mizoram.
Source: ianslive
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