Political Shift in Mizoram: ZPM and MNF Unite for LADC Leadership

New Political Alliance in Mizoram

Aizawl, Dec 16: In a significant political shift in southern Mizoram, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the Mizo National Front (MNF), traditionally rivals, have decided to collaborate in forming the executive committee of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC).

On Monday, the two parties unveiled a new legislative coalition called the Lairam Legislature Party (LLP), which comprises six members from ZPM and eight from MNF.

This partnership represents a notable change in the political landscape following weeks of uncertainty and fluctuating alliances after the elections.

A joint statement from 14 members of the district council (MDCs) revealed that T Zakunga, the leader of the ZPM legislature party, has been appointed as the leader of the LLP and will assume the role of Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the LADC.

The MNF will occupy the positions of Deputy CEM, Chairman of the Council, and three Executive Members (EMs), while ZPM will appoint five EMs from its ranks. Other official roles will be filled based on discussions between the LLP leader and the MNF.

The coalition's objective is to maintain stability in the 12th LADC for its entire five-year term and to focus on the comprehensive development of Lairam, the homeland of the Lai community.

Additionally, the alliance has committed to promoting the Lai dialect, which will be utilized in official communications alongside English whenever feasible.

This unexpected partnership emerged after extensive negotiations involving ZPM, MNF, and the Congress following the council elections held on December 3.

Initially, the MNF and Congress had formed a pre-election agreement, but this arrangement fell apart shortly after the results were announced on December 9, paving the way for new discussions.

In the recent elections, the MNF secured its position as the largest party, winning eight seats in the 25-member council.