Aizawl civic polls held peacefully

AIZAWL:

Election to the 19 wards of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) was held peacefully in Mizoram on Tuesday, election officials said.

Around 63.62 per cent of the 2.18 lakh voters exercised their franchise during the voting that took place from 7 am to 4 pm, they said.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga cast his vote at 7 am while state Congress chief and former chief minister Lal Thanhawla exercised his franchise at 11 am.

“We are confident of winning the elections by bagging at least 12-13 wards. People still have faith in the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF),” Zoramthanga said.

Lal Thanhawla said the Congress has fielded suitable candidates and exuded confidence in winning the AMC elections.

Sixty-six candidates, including 20 women, are in the fray for the AMC elections. Six of the 19 wards are reserved for women.

The counting of votes will take place on February 18.

The ruling MNF and opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and Congress have fielded candidates in 19 seats each, while the BJP is contesting in nine wards.

In the last AMC polls held in 2015, the MNF had won 11 seats, while the Congress had bagged seven wards and the Mizoram People’s Conference one. (PTI)