139 candidates file nominations in Mizoram

A total of 139 candidates, including three women aspirants, have filed nominations for the Nov 25 elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly, officials said here Saturday.

"The overall picture would be clear after withdrawal of the nominations Monday. Scrutiny of nominations will take place till Saturday," an election department official told reporters.

Friday was the last date for filing nominations.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla filed nomination in two constituencies - Serchhip and Hrangturzo - while former chief minister Zoramthanga of the main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) has sought re-election from the East Tuipui seat.

Another prominent leader and Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) president, Lalhmangaiha Sailo filed nominations from the Aizawl East-I seat.

MNF, MPC and Maraland Democratic Front (MDF), all local parties, formed a pre-poll alliance under the banner of Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA) and have fielded candidates in all the 40 seats.

According to political observers, the triangular contest would be held between the MNF-led alliance MDA, ruling Congress and the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) led by police officer-turned-politician Lalduhawma.

The Congress has fielded candidates in all 40 seats with 31 sitting legislators seeking re-election. Former minister and party's sitting legislator Nirupam Chakma did not get a party ticket to contest this time.

The ZNP also nominated candidates in 38 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party fielded candidates in 11 constituencies.

During the last assembly elections in December 2008, the Congress won 32 seats, MNF three and the MDF one. The MPC and ZNP got two seats each.

The MNF, which ruled the state for 10 years till 2008, is the principal opposition party.