Historic Mizoram Village & Local Council Polls Announced for February 12: A Pivotal Moment for Empowering Communities
Polling for the 544 Village Councils (VCs) across nine districts and 111 Local Councils (LCs) within Mizoram’s urban local bodies will occur simultaneously on February 12, as per the Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC). The election commissioner, H. Lalthlangliana, announced that vote counting will commence after polls close on the same day.
Nomination filing ends on January 23, withdrawal by January 27, and scrutiny on January 24. The executive body must form by February 14, with the election process concluding by February 15. There are 2,416 seats in the VCs, with 613 reserved for women, and 723 LC seats, of which 195 are for women. This LC election marks Lunglei Municipal Council’s first since its establishment in 2023.
The electorate includes 4,37,708 voters for VCs and 2,44,726 for LCs, predominantly female. Notably, Lai, Mara, and Chakma councils in Lawngtlai and Siaha are excluded, as their elections occur separately in autonomous district council areas.
In November, the state government reduced VC terms by six months, triggering criticism from the opposition and the All Mizoram Village Council Association (AMVCA). A legal challenge is underway, with the Gauhati High Court granting the government until January 23 to respond. The court’s next hearing is scheduled for January 30.
AMVCA, appealing against the term reduction, argues it was arbitrary. In defense, the government’s advocate cited legal provisions allowing term adjustments without justification. Lalthlangliana confirmed elections would proceed unless halted by the court. New members will assume duties post-September if VCs complete their tenure as scheduled.
This decision to curtail terms has sparked significant debate, highlighting the complex interaction between local governance and legal frameworks in Mizoram.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/mizoram/mizoram-to-hold-village-local-council-polls-on-february-12.html
Category : Mizoram,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2025-01-17 07:26:00
