Aizawl, March 20 Political activity is intensifying in Mizoram ahead of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections, with parties stepping up preparations, finalizing candidates, and outlining agendas for the civic body.
Polling for the 19-member AMC is scheduled for April 21, with counting to be held on April 27.
The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) expressed confidence in victory, with party general secretary Eddie Zosangliana Colney saying the list of candidates will be announced on March 23.
He said that candidates have been selected after a rigorous process at the local council level.
"Our candidates have been chosen with great care from every ward," Colney said, adding that the party aims to transform the capital into a "New Aizawl" with improved urban governance.
Meanwhile, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) is seeking to retain control of the civic body.
MNF vice president and Dampa MLA R Lalthangliana said that party candidates have been actively engaged on the ground since last year.
"As the party that founded the AMC, our goal is to retain power to ensure that the corporation fulfills its original vision," he said.
He added that the party's organizational network, from headquarters to grassroots units, has been fully mobilized for the polls.
The Congress, which is contesting all 19 seats, is projecting itself as a party of community leaders and promising a "people-centric" administration.
State Congress vice president R L Vala said that the party aims to give the AMC a "new face".
The BJP said it would leverage its links with the Centre to boost urban development in Aizawl.
General secretary of the BJP's state unit, Delson Notlia, said the party's search committee has met multiple times to finalize candidates, with several names already sent to New Delhi for approval.
He said that a BJP-led AMC would provide a "double-engine" advantage and help secure resources to address infrastructure challenges in the city.
The MNF has already released its full list of candidates, while the Congress has announced nominees for 13 of the 19 wards.
Polling for the urban body will be held across 19 wards from 7 am to 5 pm on April 21.
Re-polling, if necessary, will be held on April 23.
The last date for filing nomination papers is March 25, while the nominees can withdraw their candidatures latest by March 30, officials said.
According to official data, there are over 2.39 lakh electors, including 1.26 lakh female voters.
In the last AMC polls held in February 2021, the MNF secured a majority with 11 seats, followed by the ZPM with six, and the Congress with two.