The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), and the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) have unveiled their candidates for the upcoming elections to the 12-member Silung Hills Council (SHC), scheduled for November 5. The Congress party is set to announce its candidates on Tuesday. In a strategic alliance, the ZPM and HPC will contest together, with the ZPM fielding candidates for eight seats and the HPC for four. Meanwhile, the MNF has allied with the Hmar People’s Convention (Reformed) (HPC-R), contesting 10 and 2 seats, respectively.
ZPM Vice-President W Chhuanawma revealed the party’s list during a function in Aizawl, introducing four new faces. Notably, incumbent Chief Executive Member (CEM) Lalvenhima Hmar will face off against MNF’s Vanlaltluangliana in Suangpuilawn. Chairman HC Lalmalsawma is seeking a second term in Zohmun, while Executive Member Vanlalsiamsanga is set to compete against MNF nominee Lord Joyfula in Phuaibuang.
The HPC has also announced four candidates, two of whom are debutants. Executive Members Lalremruata Varte and K Hrangkunga aim to retain their seats in the Sakawrdai South and Khawlian constituencies, respectively. The MNF and HPC-R coalition has nominated 12 candidates, with nine being first-time contenders.
A total of 23,789 voters, including 11,914 women, are eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming election. The last date for filing nomination papers is October 10, with the withdrawal of candidatures due by October 14. The counting of votes will occur immediately following the election. The SHC, established on July 9, 2018, emerged from a peace accord between the Mizoram government and the former underground Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) on April 2 that year. In the last council elections held in November 2019, the MNF-HPC alliance secured 10 seats, while independent candidates claimed the remaining two.
