AIZAWL: The Mizo National Front (MNF) is leading in 18 seats and the Congress in seven,according to official Election Commission of India (ECI) trends.
However, unofficial sources claim that the MNF is leading in 21 seats even as the trends start coming in from the counting centres across the State.
The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are ahead in one seat each.
Notably, incumbent Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is trailing in both constituencies hecontested from – Serchhip and Champhai South.
Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is trailing behind ZPM’s chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma in Serchhip; while he is also trailing behind T J Lalnuntluanga oft he MNF in Champhai South seat.
Finance Minister Lalsawta in the Lal Thanhawla Cabinet is trailing in the prestigious Aizawl East-II behind MNF nominee Robert Romawia Royte.
BJP candidate Dr Buddha Dhan Chakma is leading by over 1,000 votes against MNF nominee R M Chakma in Tuichawng seat in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district.
Chakma was a minister in the Congress government before switching to the BJP.
Meanwhile, former Assembly Speaker Lalchamliana of the MNF is ahead of Cooperation Minister and the lone woman legislator Vanlalawmpuii Chawngte in Hrangturzo seat.
Ngurdingliana of the Congress is leading in Kolasib.
Counting of votes is presently going on at 13 centres across the State.
The State went for polling in a single phase on November 28. The tenure of this Assembly will end on December 15, 2018.
In the 40-member Legislative Assembly, any political party needs at least 21 seats to secure a simple majority in the State.
This time around, the voters’ turnout in Mizoram was recorded at around 80 per cent, against 83.41 per cent in 2013 Assembly elections.