Nomination papers of all 209 candidates for the election to the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly on 28 November, were found to be in order and accepted, state election department officials said.
Out of the 209, the ruling Congress party are fielding 40 candidates while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mizo National Front (MNF), are contesting in 39 and 40 assembly seats respectively, ANI reported.
Eight candidates, including Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma, People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) president Vanlalruata, have filed nominations in two seats each.
The scrutiny of all 212 nomination papers was conducted on Monday, and they were accepted, the officials said.
There was, however, some delay in scrutiny in Champhai North seat due to an old nomination form given to a candidate, but the matter was settled on Tuesday, the officials said. Six candidates are contesting from the constituency bordering Myanmar.
National People’s Party (NPP) convener Lianzuala and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state unit chief Lalawmpuia Chhangte, also fielded candidates in two seats each, while ‘Zoramthar’ chief Rev Zaichhawna Hlawndo and his two daughters – Lalhrilzeli and Lalruatfeli – also filed nominations in two seats.
Wednesday is the last day for withdrawal of nominations.
Mizoram is set to go to polls on 28 November. The counting of votes will be announced on 11 December. The state has 40 Assembly seats with an estimated 7.6 lakh registered voters. Thanhawla is contesting from two seats - Serchhip and Champhai South.
The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008.
(With inputs from PTI)
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