mizoram exit poll 2023

Mizoram elections 2023:Significance of Manipur’s Case in the Upcoming Election and Political Dynamics in Mizoram Elections

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Significance of Manipur’s Case in the Upcoming Election and Political Dynamics in Mizoram Elections

Zoramthanga’s Mizo National Front secured victory over the incumbent Congress in Mizoram. The BJP is striving to gain a significant presence in the North-Eastern states, and consequently, the Mizoram election holds considerable prestige for the party.

On November 23, 2023, Mizoram is gearing up for Assembly elections, holding the distinction of having the least number of seats contested among the five states. The state is set to conduct elections for 40 assembly seats, with 39 of these seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes, leaving only one seat open for the general category. Zoramthanga, the leader of the Mizo National Front, currently serves as the Chief Minister of Mizoram. The BJP faces a major electoral challenge against the ‘Mizoram Secular Alliance,’ comprising the Congress, Mizo National Front, and Joram People’s Party.

mizoram exit poll 2023

In the previous election, the Mizo National Front (MNF) secured victory by clinching 26 out of the total 40 assembly seats, triumphing over the ruling Congress under the leadership of Zoramthanga. The BJP is endeavoring to establish its influence in the North-Eastern states, thereby elevating the significance of the Mizoram election for the party.

During the 2018 assembly elections in Mizoram, the Mizo National Front (MNF) captured 26 seats, while the pre-election incumbent Congress secured 5 seats. The Mizo National Front secured a total vote percentage of 37.7, garnering 2,38,168 votes, while the Congress acquired 1,89,404 votes with a vote percentage of 29.98. Additionally, the Zoram People’s Movement obtained 1,44,925 votes, whereas the Bharatiya Janata Party managed to secure only 51,087 votes, resulting in the BJP winning just one seat in that election.

The neighboring state of Assam is poised to become a pivotal campaign focus in the upcoming 2023 assembly elections in Mizoram, primarily due to the ongoing border dispute between the two states. This dispute, particularly concerning regions like Cachar Hills, Hailakandi, and Karimganj, holds significant importance in the electoral discussions.

Frequent clashes between communities in Mizoram and Assam over land ownership and boundary demarcations have resulted in violent conflicts, creating an atmosphere of tension among the residents residing along the border areas. Consequently, the issue of tribal rights and their moral standing has gained prominence in this election.

Mizoram boasts a diverse tribal population, elevating the significance of campaign issues such as safeguarding tribal rights, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring an equitable distribution system. The society in Mizoram tends to be male-dominated, sidelining women, leading major political parties to refrain from nominating female candidates. Consequently, women representation in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly remains minimal.

However, the prominent issue that surfaced during this election was the Manipur violence, which garnered widespread support from the entire Mizoram community for the Kuki community affected by the incident. This event brought forth concerns about women’s safety, gender equality, and the inadequate representation of women in government.

The complexities surrounding the Kuki issue in Mizoram are intricate. The Kuki tribe, a significant community in the northeastern region, including Mizoram, faces severe communication gaps with the state government. Consequently, this community has remained distanced from developmental opportunities, existing on the fringes of mainstream progress. The upcoming government will likely face the imperative task of integrating this marginalized community into the broader spectrum of development.