Mizoram Polls 2023: Mizo Zirlai Pawl wants free and fair, corruption-free polls

As the countdown begins for the Mizoram Assembly elections on November 7, pressure group and Mizoram’s apex students body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) has said that it wants the upcoming polls to be free, fair, and corruption free.

“We want a free and fair election for all, and whoever comes into power should prioritize the development and welfare of students and education, resolve the border conflicts, combat drug smuggling, and ensure a corruption-free government,” MZP Spokesperson Ricky L Colney said.

Ricky emphasized that they do not support any particular political party but their focus in on important issues. MZP wants the next government to prioritize improving the education sector, finding a permanent solution to the long-standing Assam-Mizoram border dispute, tackling the problem of drug smuggling, and eliminating corruption.

The MZP spokesperson “We do not have an opinion on whether regional or national parties should participate; we will support the choice of the people. Our goal is to have a strong government.”

Regarding MZP opposing the participation of non-Mizo women or non-tribals in elections, Ricky said that because the Mizo population is relatively small, they fear assimilation from the mainland and seek to protect their identity.
On the issue of Myanmar refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Manipur who have found shelter in Mizoram, Ricky mentioned that the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) might get some advantage and neutral support because of these issues. However, Ricky did not comment on the Mizoram government’s refusal to collect biometric data of the IDPs, as requested by the Central government.

Also Read : Mizoram Polls 2023: Can women candidates create history this time?