Election results: ZPM wins Mizoram, set to form next government
What's the story
As the vote counting for Mizoram's assembly elections concluded on Monday, the opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) secured a landslide victory in the state.
The ZPM has won 27 seats, unseating the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) led by outgoing Chief Minister Zoramthanga.
The six-party ZPM alliance is set to form the next government in the state.
Details
ZPM candidate defeats deputy CM in Tuichang
The ZPM secured its first victory on Monday in Tuichang, as its candidate, W Chhuanawma, defeated incumbent MNF MLA and Deputy CM Tawnluia.
Interestingly, Mara ethnic minority leader K Beichhua has won the Saiha seat for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was earlier associated with the MNF but switched to the saffron party just before the assembly elections.
Seats
Who won battles in these key seats
A key battleground was Aizawl East-1, where Zoramthanga was up against Congress candidate Lalsanglura Ralte and ZPM Vice President Lalthansanga. Zoramthanga lost to Lalthansanga.
Another significant race was underway in Serchhip, where ZPM leader Lalduhoma defeated MNF newcomer J Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng and Congress candidate R Vanlaltluanga.
Meanwhile, the ZPM's VL Zaithanzama defeated the MNF's K Lalsawmvela and Mizoram Congress President Lalsawta in Aizawl West-3.
MNF
Leading candidates for MNF
Though the MNF faced a shock defeat in the assembly elections, it managed to win 10 seats in the 40-member House.
It secured the Hachhek, Dampa, Tuichawng, Mamit, Tuirial, Serlui, Tuivawl, Thorang, East Tuipui, and West Tuipui constituencies.
Meanwhile, the Congress emerged victorious in one constituency (Lawngtlai West), and the BJP won two seats (Saiha and Palak).
History
80.66% voting on November 7
The counting for Mizoram polls was supposed to be held on Sunday along with four other states.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), however, postponed it in response to rescheduling petitions from parties, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), churches, and student organizations. Sunday has special significance for the Christian-majority state.
Mizoram has over 8.57 lakh voters and witnessed an 80.66% voter turnout on November 7.