Aizawl, March 30: Officials announced on Monday that a total of 68 candidates, including 28 women, will contest in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections scheduled for April 21.
According to an official from the Mizoram State Election Commission, no candidates withdrew their nominations on the final day for withdrawals. Voting for the 19-member AMC will take place on April 21, with vote counting set for April 27.
The candidates comprise 40 men and 28 women from four major political parties, all vying for seats in the civic body. The ruling Zoram People’s Movement, the main opposition Mizo National Front, and the Indian National Congress each fielded 19 candidates, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has put forward 11 candidates.
In the upcoming elections, over 237,000 voters, including approximately 128,000 women, are eligible to cast their votes across 19 wards.
The last AMC election was held in February 2021, where the Mizo National Front secured a majority with 11 seats. The Zoram People’s Movement won six seats, while the Congress managed to secure two.
Although the municipality’s term ended on March 1, the State Election Commission postponed the election process for administrative reasons. The state assembly’s budget session concluded on March 16, coinciding with ongoing state board exams, leading to the delay.
The State Election Commission has also implemented a model code of conduct for political parties and candidates. According to an official notification, this code came into effect on March 18 and will remain in place until the election process concludes on April 30.
The notification states that any recruitment or appointment processes within government departments, public sector undertakings, or corporations in Aizawl Municipality must receive prior approval from the State Election Commission. This includes written examinations, interviews, and selection processes, except for those managed by the State Public Service Commission.
Additionally, transfers or postings of officials within the municipality are prohibited during the model code of conduct period.
Leave a Comment