The Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) is set to announce the schedule for elections to 544 village councils (VCs) across nine districts and 111 local councils (LCs) in two urban areas on January 16, according to State Election Commissioner H. Lalthlangliana. Preparations for the polls are reportedly in full swing, with the terms of the existing councils expiring on February 19. As per the final voter rolls published on January 8, the 544 VCs have 4,37,708 registered voters, including 2,22,098 women.
Additionally, the 87 LCs in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation area have 2,44,726 voters, while the 24 LCs in the Lunglei Municipal Council area account for 41,206 voters. Elections in autonomous council areas, including the Lai, Mara, and Chakma councils, are held separately. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government had earlier curtailed the terms of the councils by six months to ensure their functionality aligns with the financial year, drawing criticism from opposition parties.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma defended the decision, citing the need to prevent administrative gaps and enhance fund management. The All Mizoram Village Councils Association (AMVCA) withdrew its legal challenges against the term reduction after procedural hurdles.
