Aizawl, April 20 (IANS) All arrangements have been completed for the elections to the 19-member Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), which are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, officials said on Monday.

More than 2.39 lakh voters, including 1.26 lakh women, are expected to decide the electoral fate of 68 candidates, of whom 28 are women, contesting in the civic body polls.

The Mizoram government has declared a public holiday in areas under the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Tuesday to enable voters to exercise their franchise.

“All eligible voters have been urged to exercise their franchise. On the day of polling, all government offices, educational institutions, and public sector establishments within the AMC jurisdiction will remain closed,” an official notification stated.

Officials of the Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) said that nearly 94 per cent of the 2,768 senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and individuals with chronic illnesses have already cast their votes through the home voting facility.

According to an SEC official, the candidates comprise 40 men and 28 women representing four major political parties, all contesting for seats in the civic body.

The ruling Zoram People’s Movement, the main Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), and the Congress have fielded 19 candidates each, while the BJP has nominated 11 candidates.

The previous AMC elections were held in February 2021, when the MNF secured a majority by winning 11 seats.

The Zoram People’s Movement won six seats, while the Congress secured two seats.

Although the municipality’s term ended on March 1, the State Election Commission deferred the election process due to administrative reasons.

These included the state Assembly’s budget session, which concluded on March 16, as well as ongoing state Board examinations.

The State Election Commission has also enforced the Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates.

The code came into effect on March 18 and will remain in force until the completion of the election process on April 30, according to an official notification.

The notification further stated that no recruitment or appointment processes in government departments, Public Sector Undertakings, or corporations within the Aizawl Municipality can be initiated without prior approval from the State Election Commission.

This includes written examinations, interviews, and selection procedures, except in cases handled by the State Public Service Commission. Votes will be counted on April 27.

–IANS

sc/rad