Six candidates have filed their nomination papers for the ensuing by-election to the Serchhip Assembly constituency in Mizoram. Polling for the seat is scheduled for April 17.
Joint CEO David Liansanglura said six candidates filed their papers till Tuesday – the last date for filing of nominations.
Political observers said the by-election, necessitated by the disqualification of Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma, would witness a neck-to-neck fight between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), ZPM and Congress.
While the ZPM is fielding Lalduhoma (72), the MNF has nominated former Lok Sabha member and party vice president Vanlalzawma (65). The Congress has fielded PC Laltlansanga (48).
The BJP is also contesting the by-election with retired mining engineer and social worker Lalhriatrenga Chhangte as its candidate. The People’s Conference party has nominated its vice president Vanlalruata for the seat. Ramhlun-Edena is contesting as an Independent.
Though chief minister Zoramthanga, the Zoram People’s Movement party and the Seventh Day Adventist Church have urged the Election Commission to change the polling date (April 17), that falls on a Saturday, which is a sacred day for Seventh Day Christians, no response has been received from the poll panel yet.