Mizoram by-poll: Campaigning to end on April 15

AIZAWL:

Campaigning for the by-poll to the Serchhip assembly constituency in Mizoram will end at 4:00 pm on Thursday, election officials said.

According to political observers, the by-poll will likely witness an intense fight among the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and Congress on April 17.

Six candidates, including one Independent, are in the fray, with Vanlalzawma representing the ruling MNF, Lalhriatrenga Chhangte representing the BJP, and PC Laltlansanga representing Congress.

The by-poll was necessitated after incumbent MLA Lalduhoma of the ZPM was disqualified under the anti-defection law in November last year.

Meanwhile, ZPM General Secretary Lalmuanpuia Punte said the party on Tuesday requested the Election Commission to extend the duration of voting to 7:00 pm to enable members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to cast their votes after sunset.