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Live Updates, Mizoram Assembly elections: Zoram People's Movement gets majority, wins 21 of 40 seats

As Mizoram awaits election results, can the ZPM offer a viable alternative, or will the BJP factor reshape the political landscape?

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Our Web Desk
Published 04.12.23, 08:52 AM
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The Mizoram Assembly election of 2023 has emerged as a crucial battleground. While the BJP is not expected to secure a strong performance, the focus has shifted to whether it can influence the political landscape in Mizoram post-election. The three primary contenders—the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)—are strategically positioning themselves, particularly in light of recent events in Manipur that have heightened public wariness of the BJP.

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The election, marked by a three-cornered contest, reflects a desire for an alternative to the traditional two-party system. The ZPM, with its emphasis on clean governance and a candidate lineup featuring more academics, is positioning itself as a fresh option. However, concerns linger about potential alignment with the BJP, given Mizoram's dependence on the central government for funding.

Ethnic and religious dynamics play a significant role, with regional identities and the fluidity of ethnic configurations taking center stage. The role of the predominantly Christian church in influencing the electorate and shaping political agendas, particularly on issues like prohibition, is pronounced. The inclusion of charismatic leaders and lay evangelists, such as T Lalhmachhuani (Mimi), adds a unique dimension to the election.

Moreover, the contest has brought to light issues of ethnic purity, notably the Mizo Zirlai Pawl's stance on women married to non-Mizos standing for elections. This has sparked debates on racial purity, a relatively uncommon concern in Mizoram's political history. The election, therefore, is not merely a political event but a complex interplay of regional, ethnic, and religious factors that will shape the future trajectory of Mizoram's political landscape.

Mizoram Assembly Elections Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) Mizo National Front (MNF) BJP Zoramthanga
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