Aizawl: The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)-Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) alliance lost to the Mizo National Front (MNF)-Hmar People’s Convention (Reformed) (HPC-R) alliance in the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) elections held on Tuesday.
According to The Mizoram Post, this marks the first civic election since ZPM’s win in the state assembly elections last December. The MNF-HPC(R) alliance secured a majority with 7 out of 11 declared seats, while ZPM won 3 of the 8 seats it contested. Results for the New Vervek seat were still pending when the report was filed.
The HPC, which contested 4 seats, failed to win any, while Congress managed 1 seat. The BJP, despite contesting 1 seat, received no votes.
In key outcomes, ZPM’s Lalvenhima Hmar, the current Chief Executive Member (CEM), held onto his Suangpuilawn seat. However, the ZPM’s HC Lalmalsawm lost to MNF’s Benjamin Lalrawnliana in Zohmun.
Voter turnout was recorded at 71.69%, with 23,789 votes cast, and the election proceeded without incident. A total of 49 candidates, including one woman, competed for the 12 elected seats in the SHC, which was established in 2018 following a peace agreement between the Mizoram government and the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic).
MNF celebrated its victory on Wednesday, with party president Zoramthanga thanking the SHC electorate and acknowledging the support of the MNF-HPC(R) alliance. Meanwhile, ZPM expressed gratitude to its supporters, vowing to continue pushing for development in the council area despite its defeat.
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