• Source:JND
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Zoramthanga-led Mizo National Front (MNF) seems to be far behind the majority mark with the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) heading towards a mammoth victory in Mizoram, where the counting of votes is underway. As per the numbers laid out by the Election Commission (EC), ZPM has won 27 seats while the ruling MNF secured 7 seats and was leading on three. The majority mark to form the government in the state is 21.

Much to the surprise of people, Mizoram’s incumbent CM Zoramthanga lost the election from the Aizawl East-1 constituency. His deputy Tawnluia too suffered defeat in Tuichang.

Reasons for the fall of Zoramthanga in Mizoram:

-Zoramthanga was, at times, accused of being involved in corruption. His brother was among six persons sentenced to 1 year in prison in connection with bogus compensation receipts for land acquired for a hydroelectric power plant. Zoramthanga himself faced two cases of power misuse and disproportionate assets. However, he was acquitted by the court.

- The unemployment rate for the youth in the age group 15-29 is quite high in Mizoram. Even as this rate is 10 per cent nationally, Mizoram has recorded a youth unemployment rate of 11.9 per cent.

- Mizoram was severely affected by the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur. Around 9,500 people fleeing Manipur violence took shelter in Mizoram. This also became a poll issue in the state as Mizos were upset with the ruling party. 

Reasons for Lalduhoma’s rise:

- The anti-incumbency against Zoramthanga helped Lalduhoma rise in the politics of the state.

- Lalduhoma in the backdrop of the campaign generated a notion among voters that Zoramthanga was still with NDA and was working at the behest of the BJP. 

- Voters saw ZPM as an option in a political vacuum created by the reluctant leadership of MNF and Congress. The duo had been ruling the state on an alternate basis since the 80s.  

- The ZPM fielded mostly young candidates to contest the assembly polls. Most of the faces were new to the politics. This helped the party generate hope among voters.  

- Following the ethnic clashes in Manipur, Zo unification became an election issue in Mizoram. Lalduhoma has been seen by the people as the face of Zo unification in the state.