Aizawl, Oct 17: The upcoming Assembly polls in Mizoram will see a triangular contest between ruling Mizo National Front, Indian National Congress and Zoram People’s Movement.

The major political parties of Mizoram has geared up for the polls and started campaigning. The 40-member Mizoram assembly will see a triangular contest.

Unlike other States, Mizoram’s political contestation is less dependent on miney and muscle power, as social service, public standing and the backing of religious and social organisations are key conditions for candidature.

The ruling Mizo National Front has to contend not only with its traditional rival, the Indian National Congress, but also the Zoram Peoples’ Movement (ZPM), which has presented it a tough challenge this time.

In the rural areas, the strongest opposition to the MNF has emerged from the Congress, which is leading an alliance of parties, including the People’s Conference and the Zoram Nationalist Party.

Inflation has remained a key concern in the state, even relative to the rest of India, over the past year, and this could be one of the factors behind voter choice.

Despite being a small State — 0.1% of India’s population and contributing close to 0.1% of the national GDP — Mizoram is a crucial border State with ample potential for economic growth led by the services and tourism sectors despite being a largely agrarian economy.

The voting for the Assembly elections in Mizoram will take place on November 7, and the counting of votes will take place on December 3.

The last date of filing nominations is October 20, scrutiny of candidatures will take place on the next day, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 23.

According to the 2011 Census, Christians form around 87 percent of Mizoram’s population.

In the 2018 assembly polls, the MNF bagged a total of 26 seats in the 40-seat assembly house. Eight seats went to independent candidates, while the Congress party could manage to win only five seats.

The last date for the withdrawal of candidates is October 23, and the deadline for the scrutiny of nominations is October 21.

Mizoram has 8.51 lakh voters. Ruling MNF and BJP to contest seperately in the upcoming assembly polls.

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