All preparations are in place for the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21. Over 2.39 lakh voters, including 1.26 lakh women, will decide the fate of 68 candidates contesting for 19 seats in the civic body. Of these, 28 candidates are women, reflecting a notable presence in the electoral fray.
The Mizoram government has declared a public holiday in areas under AMC jurisdiction to ensure maximum voter participation. Government offices, schools, and public sector establishments will remain closed during polling. Officials from the Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) confirmed that nearly 94% of senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and individuals with chronic illnesses have already exercised their franchise through the home voting facility.
Candidates represent four major political parties: the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Mizo National Front (MNF), Congress, and BJP. ZPM, MNF, and Congress have fielded 19 candidates each, while BJP has nominated 11. In the last AMC elections held in February 2021, MNF secured a majority with 11 seats, ZPM won six, and Congress managed two.
The elections, originally due on March 1, were deferred because of the state Assembly’s budget session and ongoing Board examinations. The SEC enforced the Model Code of Conduct from March 18, which will remain in force until April 30. Under the code, recruitment or appointment processes in government departments and PSUs within AMC limits are prohibited without SEC approval.
Votes will be counted on April 27, and the results will determine the composition of the 19-member civic body that governs Mizoram’s capital.