Mizoram assembly elections concluded with a 69.86% turnout, results awaited on December 3

The 9th state assembly elections in Mizoram were held on Tuesday in a single phase. After the polls closed at 4 p.m. on November 7, the northeastern state recorded a 69.86% voter turnout in this year's election. The voters who exercised their democratic right determined the fate of 174 candidates fielded by various political parties.

On his way to cast his vote from the Aizawl North-II seat, the incumbent Chief Minister Zoramthanga said, “It will be an MNF government. I have full confidence in that.” As the day progressed, exuding confidence, the CM said, “Now, the voting for the Mizoram Assembly election 2023 is going on. I have cast my vote and have been visiting several polling booths in my constituency. We have high hopes that MNF will form the next government single-handedly."

The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), and the Congress were the key political forerunners in the elections. The three political parties had fielded 40 candidates for all 40 Assembly seats, while the BJP contested with 23 candidates and the AAP fielded 4. In addition, 27 candidates have contested the polls as independents.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking to social media platform ‘X’, had urged the people of Mizoram to ‘vote in record numbers’ and ‘strengthen the festival of democracy’. “I call upon the people of Mizoram to vote in record numbers. I particularly urge the young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise and strengthen the festival of democracy,” posted PM Modi.

Voting for the 40 seats commenced at 7 am in the morning and continued till 4 pm in the evening. As per reports, the elections in Mizoram were conducted in a peaceful manner. Ahead of the assembly elections, security measures were been beefed up across the state, with about 3,000 policemen, and Central Armed Forces personnel deployed to ensure election security. The inter-state boundaries with three districts of Assam, two with Manipur, and one with Tripura were sealed off, and the 510-km-long international border with Myanmar and the 318-km boundary with Bangladesh were also sealed to avoid any untoward incidents.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vowed to work in adherence to ‘his guarantee’ and ensure the welfare of the people of Mizoram. “To my brothers and sisters of Mizoram, when you go out to vote tomorrow, vote for Congress. We will protect your culture, language, and traditions - That is my guarantee.” posted the Wayanad MP.

The state assembly elections were concluded at 4 p.m. with a turnout of 69.86%. The results that will determine the future of Mizoram will be declared on December 3.