Aizawl, Feb 2 (PTI) – The Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) has issued show-cause notices to two ministers over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the upcoming village council and local council elections scheduled for February 12, a senior official confirmed on Sunday.
State Election Commissioner H Lalthlangliana stated that PWD Minister Vanlalhlana and Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar have been served notices following a complaint lodged by the main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF). The ministers have been directed to submit their explanations by Monday.
Similarly, Hmar has been accused of announcing development projects while meeting ZPM candidates in his constituency on January 27. According to media reports cited by the MNF, Hmar disclosed that the state government had sanctioned over ₹45 crore for development projects in Aizawl West-II, including ₹25.35 crore for a new market in Vaivakawn. Additionally, he announced plans for a new inter-locality road between Dinthar and Tuikual South, named 'Aizawl West Outlet'.
Lalthlangliana stated that apart from these complaints, no other MCC violations have been reported to the commission as of Sunday.
Initially, 6,942 candidates had filed nominations for the VC elections, but 11 nominations were rejected, and 102 candidates withdrew by the January 27 deadline. Similarly, out of 2,084 nominations for the local council polls, two were rejected, and six candidates withdrew.
The 544 VCs have a total of 2,416 seats, of which 613 are reserved for women. Meanwhile, the 111 LCs in AMC and LMC have 723 seats, with 195 reserved for women.
There are 4,37,708 registered voters for VC elections, including 2,22,098 women electors. In the local council polls, AMC's 87 LCs have 2,44,726 registered voters, while LMC's 24 LCs have 41,206 voters.
With the election date approaching, the SEC’s crackdown on alleged violations underscores its commitment to ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
State Election Commissioner H Lalthlangliana stated that PWD Minister Vanlalhlana and Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar have been served notices following a complaint lodged by the main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF). The ministers have been directed to submit their explanations by Monday.
Allegations Against Ministers
The MNF accused Vanlalhlana of virtually campaigning for Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) candidates in the Durtlang Local Council from his ministerial office, a video of which recently went viral on social media. The party argued that using a government office for election campaigning is a clear violation of the MCC.Similarly, Hmar has been accused of announcing development projects while meeting ZPM candidates in his constituency on January 27. According to media reports cited by the MNF, Hmar disclosed that the state government had sanctioned over ₹45 crore for development projects in Aizawl West-II, including ₹25.35 crore for a new market in Vaivakawn. Additionally, he announced plans for a new inter-locality road between Dinthar and Tuikual South, named 'Aizawl West Outlet'.
Lalthlangliana stated that apart from these complaints, no other MCC violations have been reported to the commission as of Sunday.
Elections and Candidates in Fray
The upcoming elections will see 6,829 candidates contesting for 544 village council (VC) seats across nine districts, excluding three autonomous district council areas in Lawngtlai and Siaha. Additionally, 2,076 candidates are in the fray for 111 local councils (LCs) under the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC).Initially, 6,942 candidates had filed nominations for the VC elections, but 11 nominations were rejected, and 102 candidates withdrew by the January 27 deadline. Similarly, out of 2,084 nominations for the local council polls, two were rejected, and six candidates withdrew.
Polling and Voting Details
The VC and LC elections will be conducted simultaneously on February 12, with vote counting beginning at 7 PM or immediately after polling concludes.The 544 VCs have a total of 2,416 seats, of which 613 are reserved for women. Meanwhile, the 111 LCs in AMC and LMC have 723 seats, with 195 reserved for women.
There are 4,37,708 registered voters for VC elections, including 2,22,098 women electors. In the local council polls, AMC's 87 LCs have 2,44,726 registered voters, while LMC's 24 LCs have 41,206 voters.
With the election date approaching, the SEC’s crackdown on alleged violations underscores its commitment to ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
