Mizoram Opposition Party Condemns Online Abuse of Female Candidates Ahead of Elections

The Mizo National Front (MNF) has condemned the online harassment of female candidates ahead of the Aizawl Municipal Council elections. The party has warned of legal actions against those engaging in derogatory attacks, emphasizing the need for a respectful political environment. With 68 candidates, including 28 women, contesting in the elections, the MNF calls for the ruling party to set a positive example. The elections are scheduled for April 21, with over 237,000 eligible voters. This situation highlights the challenges women face in politics and the importance of maintaining a fair electoral process.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 31, 2026, 18:11 IST

MNF Takes a Stand Against Online Harassment

Aizawl, Mar 31: The Mizo National Front (MNF), the opposition party in Mizoram, has issued a warning regarding potential legal actions against individuals engaging in "indecent and derogatory" online harassment of female candidates participating in the upcoming Aizawl Municipal Council elections.

The party expressed alarm over the increasing instances of character attacks and sexist remarks directed at female candidates on social media. They urged the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) to set a positive example to promote a fair electoral process.

Zothansangi Hmar, treasurer of the MNF legal board, emphasized the urgent need for the Election Commission to step in due to repeated breaches of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in local elections.

"To uphold Mizoram's tradition of clean elections, it is essential for the ruling party's members to lead by example," Hmar stated during a press briefing.

She pointed out the harsh and sexually charged attacks aimed at R Lalnunthari, also known as Nunui Rualheng, who is the MNF candidate for Ward-IV in the AMC elections.

Hmar condemned such actions as not merely political strategies but as an "oppression of women's status" within society.

The MNF leader pledged to pursue legal action if these smear campaigns persist, asserting, "Indecent attacks on a woman's character will face appropriate legal responses," and reaffirmed the party's commitment to defending its candidates.

While acknowledging the increasing participation of women in both reserved and general wards, Hmar cautioned that the hostile political climate could discourage capable women from pursuing public service roles.

"Mizoram is witnessing a surge of talented, educated, and respectable women stepping up to lead. However, the primitive nature of these attacks risks making politics seem intimidating and unwelcoming to them," she remarked.

The MNF leader called for a transition towards more respectful political dialogue.

A total of 68 candidates, including 28 women, are contesting for the 19-member AMC elections scheduled for April 21. The ZPM, MNF, and Congress have each nominated 19 candidates, while the BJP has put forward 11.

More than 237,000 voters, including 128,000 women, are eligible to participate in the AMC elections, with vote counting set for April 27.