Mizoram: 73 candidates in fray for CADC polls on May 9

MNF, Congress and BJP fielded nominees in all the 20 seats while Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has fielded 13 candidates. Lone independent candidate withdrew his nomination

By Isaac Zoramsanga

As many as 73 candidates would be contesting for the 20-member Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), elections for which would be held on May 9.

The lone independent candidate withdrew his nomination on Thursday, the last day for withdrawal of nominations. Nomination papers of the 2 standby (dummy) Congress candidates was rejected on Tuesday after the papers of the real candidates were accepted.

Election officials of south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district said that 76 nominations were filed including the 2 standby (dummy) Congress candidates and the independent candidate.

MNF, Congress and BJP fielded nominees in all the 20 seats while Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has fielded 13 candidates, including a former chief executive member (CEM) and 4 sitting members of district council (MDCs).

ZPM, formed in 2017 is contesting the CADC polls for the first time but managed to bag 8 seats in the 40-member state assembly elections in 2018, to emerge as the second-largest party in the state. The party is contesting the CADC polls for the first time.

The CADC is at present placed under the governor’s rule since December 16, 2022 as ‘there could not be political stability’ despite the fact that all the 20 members of district council (MDCs) belonged to the Mizo National Front (MNF) due to a large number of elected MDCs vying constantly for the post of the Chief Executive Member (CEM).

With the Congress, which had ruled the CADC for decades becoming weaker and the MNF’s failure to ensure stable government, the saffron party, which has gained ground in the 3 district council areas, especially in the Mara Autonomous District Council, has become a force to reckon with.

The CADC is at present placed under the governor’s rule since December16, 2022 as ‘there could not be political stability’ despite the fact that all the 20 members of district council (MDCs) belonged to the Mizo National Front (MNF) due to a large number of elected MDCs vying constantly for the post of the Chief Executive Member (CEM).

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