Aizawl, March 30 The opposition Mizo National Front expressed confidence in its prospects in the upcoming elections to the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), scheduled for April 21.
Speaking at the party's manifesto launch event, MNF MLA R Lalthangliana said the party would contest all 19 seats in the urban local body and had carefully selected candidates.
The election manifesto was released by MNF president and former chief minister Zoramthanga.
Lalthangliana criticised the ruling ZPM for allegedly delaying the AMC elections, claiming that the government lacked the courage to face the polls before the expiry of the civic body's term on March 1.
He described the recent road repair works in the city as "cosmetic measures", alleging that the government was merely using tax revenues collected from fuel sales.
The former health minister further claimed that the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), launched by the ZPM government, was largely based on a healthcare model originally conceived by the MNF, with only minor modifications.
He also asserted that the MNF had performed strongly in most elections held after the ZPM came to power.
A total of 68 candidates, including 28 women, are contesting the AMC elections.
The MNF, ruling ZPM, and Congress have fielded 19 candidates each, while the BJP has nominated 11 candidates.
State Election Commissioner H Lalthlangliana told
More than 2.37 lakh voters, including around 1.28 lakh women, are eligible to vote in the AMC elections. Of the 19 wards, six are reserved for women.
The vote counting will take place on April 27.
