Elections: Counting of votes begins in Mizoram

Counting of votes cast in the November 25 elections in Mizoram has begun amidst tight security.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at counting centres in eight districts, said state joint chief electoral officer H Lalengmawia.

The Director General of Election Commission of India, Ashish Srivastava, and several observers are in capital Aizawl to supervise the process.

The fate of 142 candidates, including six women will be decided on Monday. The ruling Congress has contested all 40 seats, as has the Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA).

MDA constituent Mizo National Front (MNF) has contested in 31, Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) in eight and Maraland Democratic Front (MDF) contested in one seat.

The Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) fielded candidates in 38 seats, while the BJP has contested 17 seats.

There are also two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates, one Jai Maha Bharhat Party candidate and four independents whose electoral fate will be decided today.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress Party is contesting from Serchhip, his home turf, and neighbouring Hrangturzo.

The main opponent MNF leader and former chief minister Zoramthanga is trying his luck from Tuipui East seat.