Mizoram Votes for Lone Rajya Sabha Seat as Major Parties Abstain

Aizawl: Voting is underway in Aizawl to elect Mizoram’s sole representative to the Rajya Sabha. The election at the Legislative Assembly building features a direct contest between the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF).

The ZPM has nominated party spokesperson K. Laltluangkima for the seat, while the MNF has fielded author and advocate Zothansangi Hmar. The voting process began at 9 am and is scheduled to conclude at 4 pm, with officials set to begin counting the ballots at 5 pm.

The current composition of the 40-member Assembly heavily favors the ruling party, which holds 27 seats compared to the opposition’s 10. Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have decided not to participate in the election. Congress legislator C. Ngunlianchunga said he would abstain from voting in line with instructions issued by the party leadership.

This contest is part of a limited round of biennial elections. While 21 of the 24 available Rajya Sabha seats were filled without opposition, this race remains one of only three in the country requiring a formal vote. Results are expected to be declared shortly after the counting process concludes later this evening.