Aizawl: Senior vice president of the Mizo National Front (MNF) and MLA R. Lalthangliana on Monday expressed strong confidence in the party’s prospects for the upcoming elections to the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), scheduled for April 21.
Speaking at the release of the party’s manifesto at the MNF office in Aizawl, Lalthangliana said the party would contest all 19 seats in the municipal body. He asserted that candidates have been carefully selected and highlighted what he described as the MNF’s role in creating “numerous permanent assets” for the city.
The manifesto was formally released by party president and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga.
Targeting the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Lalthangliana alleged that the government delayed the AMC elections, claiming it lacked the confidence to face polls before the previous council’s term ended on March 1. He also criticised recent road repair works in Aizawl, terming them “cosmetic measures” funded through public tax revenues on fuel.
The former Health Minister further alleged that the ZPM’s Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) is largely a rebranded version of a healthcare model originally conceptualised by the MNF, with minimal changes.
Claiming political momentum, Lalthangliana said the MNF has performed strongly in most elections held since the ZPM came to power, adding that the ruling party secured victories only in constituencies where the MNF’s performance weakened.
According to official data, a total of 68 candidates, including 28 women, are contesting the AMC polls. The MNF, ZPM, and the Indian National Congress have fielded candidates in all 19 wards, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has nominated 11 candidates.
State Election Commissioner H. Lalthlangliana stated that no candidate withdrew nominations by the close of the withdrawal deadline on Monday.
More than 2.37 lakh voters, including approximately 1.28 lakh women, are eligible to vote in the elections. Of the 19 wards under the AMC, six are reserved for women, while the remaining 13 are open to candidates of all genders.
Counting of votes will take place on April 27.