Political activity is gathering momentum in Mizoram ahead of the April 21 elections to the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), with major parties stepping up campaigns, finalising candidates and outlining their agendas.
Polling for the 19-member civic body will be held on April 21, with counting scheduled for April 27.
The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) expressed confidence of securing victory, with party general secretary Eddie Zosangliana Colney stating that the candidate list will be announced on March 23. He said nominees were 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” through improved urban governance.
The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), which currently controls the AMC, is seeking to retain power. Party vice president and Dampa MLA R Lalthangliana said candidates have been active on the ground for several months.
“As the party that founded the AMC, our goal is to retain power to ensure the corporation fulfils its original vision,” he said, adding that the party’s organisational network has been fully mobilised for the polls.
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The Indian National Congress is contesting all 19 seats and pitching itself as a party of community leaders, promising a “people-centric” administration. State vice president R L Vala said the party aims to give the civic body a “new face”.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it would leverage its links with the Centre to strengthen urban infrastructure in Aizawl. State general secretary Delson Notlia said several candidate names have been sent to New Delhi for approval, adding that a BJP-led AMC would provide a “double-engine” push for development.
While the MNF has already released its full list of candidates, the Congress has announced nominees for 13 of the 19 wards.
According to officials, polling will take place from 7 am to 5 pm across all wards, with re-poll, if required, scheduled for April 23. The last date for filing nominations is March 25, while candidates can withdraw by March 30.
As per official data, the electorate comprises over 2.39 lakh voters, including around 1.26 lakh women.
In the previous AMC elections held in 2021, the MNF secured a majority with 11 seats, followed by the ZPM with six and the Congress with two.
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