Mizo National Front Selects Dr. R Lalthangliana for Dampa By-Election

MNF's Candidate for Dampa By-Election

Aizawl, Sept 4: The Mizo National Front (MNF) has announced Dr. R Lalthangliana, a former minister and senior vice president of the party, as its candidate for the upcoming Dampa by-election.

This bypoll has arisen following the passing of the sitting MLA, Lalrintluanga Sailo, on July 21. The stakes are high for the MNF, which secured 10 seats in the 40-member Assembly during the 2023 elections. If the party fails to retain the Dampa seat, it risks losing its status to appoint the Leader of Opposition, further diminishing its legislative strength.

On the other side, the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) will be represented by Vanlalsailova, a 46-year-old gospel singer and preacher. Although he is new to the political arena, he narrowly lost to Lalrintluanga Sailo in 2023 by just 292 votes, making his return to the election scene highly anticipated.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee and the State BJP have yet to announce their candidates, and the People’s Conference is still deliberating whether to participate in the election.

Analysts suggest that the electoral contest is primarily shaping up as a direct rivalry between the MNF and ZPM, both of which have significant interests in the outcome. For the MNF, winning is essential to maintain its influence in the Assembly, while for the ZPM, a victory would solidify its dominance as the ruling party.