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Aizawl, Oct 13 (IANS) The formal process for the November 11 bypoll to Dampa assembly constituency in Mizoram has begun with the issuance of statutory notification on Monday, officials said.
Malsawmzuala, returning officer for Dampa Assembly by-election, said in a notification that nomination papers can be submitted on all days till October 21, except public holidays.
He said nomination papers can be submitted to Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer Obed Lalmalsawma between 11 am to 3 pm.
The returning officer also said in his notification that the scrutiny of nomination papers will be done on October 22, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24.
Counting of votes will take place on November 14.
Adequate security measures are being taken for the by-election under the supervision of State Police Nodal Officer H. Ramathlengliana, Inspector General of Police (Headquarters and Law and Order).
Dampa assembly seat in western Mizoram’s Mamit district fell vacant after the death of opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) MLA Lalrintluanga Selo on July 21.
The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and opposition parties – MNF, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have already announced their candidates, making it a multi-cornered contest.
ZPM has fielded Mizo singer and preacher Vanlalsailova, while main opposition MNF has fielded its party vice president and former state health minister R. Lalthangliana has been named.
The Congress has fielded its state unit vice-president and former minister John Rotluangliana.
BJP has fielded former Congress leader Lalmingthanga, who recently joined BJP, as its candidate.
With four strong candidates in the fray, the upcoming by-election is expected to be one of the most watched political battles in Mizoram.
Political parties have announced their candidates and started their campaign for this politically important assembly seat.
Dampa assembly seat, bordering neighboring country Bangladesh, has a large minority population including Chakma and Reang tribals.
According to the final voter list published on September 30, a total of 20,790 voters, including 10,185 women, are eligible to cast their votes.
This assembly seat has been a Congress stronghold since Mizoram became a full-fledged state in 1987.
However, the seat has been under MNF control since 2018, weakening Congress’s influence in the area.
Dampa by-election has important stakes for both the ruling ZPM and the opposition MNF.
For Chief Minister Lalduhoma-led ZPM, the defeat could signal a decline in its popularity ahead of the 2028 state assembly elections.
ZPM came to power in the Christian-majority state for the first time in 2023 by defeating MNF.
For the MNF, a victory would not only rejuvenate the party ahead of the 2028 elections but could also be crucial in retaining its claim to the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) post.
The MNF, which ruled the border state for many years, must have at least 10 seats in the 40-member state assembly to retain the LOP post.
–IANS
SC/KHz