80 per cent turnout in peaceful polling in Mizoram

The fate of 142 candidates, including Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his 11 ministers, was sealed in EVMs as 80 per cent polling was witnessed today in the election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly which passed off peacefully.

Polling ended at 3.30 pm with an estimated turnout of 80 per cent of the 6.9 lakh voters, state Joint Chief Electoral Officer H Lalengmawia said.

He said that the percentage of turnout could rise after data is received from remote areas.

The polling percentage was over 80 per cent in three seats adjoining Manipur - Chalfilh, Tuivawl and Serlui, where there were allegations of insurgents intimidating voters, Lalengmawia said.

The ruling Congress fielded candidates in all the 40 seats and the Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA), the alliance of Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), the Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) and the Maraland Democratic Alliance (MDF) also contested in 40 seats.

The MNF, senior partner of the alliance contested 31 seats, while the MPC and the MDF fielded candidates in eight and one constituency respectively.

The Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) contested in 38 seats, the BJP in 17, the NCP in two seats, Jai Maha Bharath Party in one while there were four Independents.

All the seats were reserved for ST nominees, except Lunglei South which was for general candidates.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla cast his vote with his wife Lal Riliani at Zarkawt-II Polling Station at Babutlang area in Zarkawt locality.

The chief minister contested from two constituencies - Serchhip, his home turf, and neighbouring Hrangturzo.