Mizoram polls: ECI announces date, Cong objects to counting date

Within minutes of the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing the date for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Mizoram Congress has objected to the date of counting. The ECI had announced December 3 for counting of votes but the Congress has expressed its reservations for this date as it falls on a Sunday. For the Christian-dominated Mizoram, Sunday is the day for prayers.

Mizoram Congress Vice President Lalnunmawia Chuango, speaking to Northeast Live said, “We have very serious reservation and objection to the date of counting fixed by the Election Commission of India, which is on Sunday and Sunday being a Sacred Day for Mizo Christians. This is not the first time that the ECI fixed some important poll related dates on Sunday. We have raised objection in the past also. The ECI has on occasions been good enough to accommodate the request and respect the sentiments of the people of Mizoram and change those dates.”

The Congress is mulling to make a representation to the ECI in this regard.

Chuaungo said, “This time also we expect that the ECI will change the counting of votes on days other than Sunday. We are going to make a representation to the ECI.”

“We are prepared to face the election as per the schedule announced by the ECI. So far we have no issues as far as the poll dates are concerned. We could have been given a little more time for canvassing. However, we are ready to face the election,” Chuaungo said reacting to the ECI’s announcement of polls dates for Mizoram.

Mizoram will be going to polls on November 7 and the results will be announced on December 3.

Recently, Mizoram did not participate in the nationwide cleanliness drive as it fell on Sunday. The state organised the drive on Monday.

Read also: Mizoram goes to poll on November 7, results on Dec 3. Details here