In an ongoing electoral event, the 9th state assembly elections in Mizoram are witnessing the participation of 174 candidates, including 16 women, competing for all 40 seats. The ruling party, Mizo National Front (MNF), led by President and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, is determined to defy anti-incumbency sentiments and maintain its hold over the northeastern state.

The MNF, along with the Zoram Peoples Movement and Congress, is vying for every available seat, while the BJP has entered the race with candidates in 23 constituencies.

Read Also | Mizoram Assembly Election 2023: Chief Minister Zoramthanga Faces EVM Malfunction During Voting

CM Zoramthanga, at 79 years old, exudes confidence in his party’s ability to secure an absolute majority and continue their governance. He expressed his conviction by stating, “I have full confidence that we will be able to form the government with absolute majority.” Zoramthanga himself is contesting from the Aizawl East-I seat and cast his vote in Aizawl North-II.

Despite being a part of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level, in Mizoram, the MNF and BJP are not in an alliance. Zoramthanga clarified that there is no current tie-up with the saffron party if the MNF falls short of an absolute majority. He stated, “It won’t be a hung assembly in Mizoram. It will be an MNF government. I have full confidence in that. BJP is not an alliance partner (in Mizoram). NDA is there at the Centre, but in Mizoram, we don’t have any alliance with BJP or any other party.”

Zoramthanga further emphasized, “So far BJP has not approached us (for any post-poll tie-up), and we have also not talked to them. We are a partner of the NDA at the Centre, but we support them based on issues only.”

The CM highlighted the significant role the issue of refugees would play in MNF’s electoral success. Mizoram has provided shelter to nearly 33,000 refugees from Myanmar, around 800 from Bangladesh, and more than 13,000 people displaced by ethnic clashes in Manipur.

Read Also | Mizoram Assembly Elections 2023: The ‘Dress Rehearsal’ for Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls

Zoramthanga explained, “The problem of refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur who are taking shelter in Mizoram at present will be a big plus for MNF in this election because these people have faith in the state government. To give them food and shelter, it needs the MNF government in Mizoram.”