Poll promises made by leaders during the election 

Mizo National Front (MNF)

• Increase in the monthly social security pension for senior citizens from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000
• Construction of 10,000 new houses for the poor
• Free education for all students from KG to PG
• Increase in the monthly stipend for unemployed youth from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000
• Establishment of a ₹100 crore fund for the development of entrepreneurs
• Waiver of agricultural loans
• Free medical treatment for all citizens
• Development of infrastructure in rural areas
• Promotion of tourism

Indian National Congress (INC)

• Increase in the monthly social security pension for senior citizens from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000
• Construction of 20,000 new houses for the poor
• Free education for all girls from KG to PG
• Increase in the monthly stipend for unemployed youth from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000
• Establishment of a ₹200 crore fund for the development of farmers
• Waiver of electricity bills for all households consuming up to 100 units per month
• Free medical treatment for all citizens up to ₹5 lakh per year
• Development of infrastructure in urban areas
• Promotion of sports and culture

Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)

• Increase in the monthly social security pension for senior citizens from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000
• Construction of 30,000 new houses for the poor
• Free education for all students from KG to PG
• Increase in the monthly stipend for unemployed youth from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000
• Establishment of a ₹300 crore fund for the development of the unemployed
• Waiver of all loans taken by farmers and students
• Free medical treatment for all citizens
• Development of infrastructure in both rural and urban areas
• Protection of the environment

  What are the key issues in Mizoram elections 2023?

  Corruption

  Corruption is a major issue in Mizoram, and it is likely to be a key focus of the 2023 Assembly elections. Both the former Chief Minister, Lal Thanhawla, and the current Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, have faced corruption charges. While both leaders have been acquitted in local courts, public skepticism about their integrity remains high. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a new political party that has emerged as a challenger to the MNF, is expected to leverage this situation by campaigning on a platform of clean governance.

  Development

  The pace of development in Mizoram is another key issue. While the state has made significant progress in recent years, there is still a need for improved infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. The MNF government has been criticized for its handling of the state’s finances, and the ZPM is likely to attack the government’s record on development.

  Unemployment

  Unemployment is a major problem in Mizoram, particularly among the youth. The state has a high literacy rate, but there are not enough jobs to meet the demand. The MNF government has promised to create more jobs, but it is unclear how it will achieve this. The ZPM is likely to focus on this issue and promise to create more opportunities for young people.

  Ethnic tensions

  Mizoram is a multi-ethnic state, and there have been tensions between different groups in the past. The MNF is seen as representing the interests of the majority of Zo people, while the ZPM is seen as being more inclusive of other ethnic groups. The ZPM is likely to try to capitalize on these tensions by portraying the MNF as being divisive.

  Boundary disputes

  Mizoram has boundary disputes with several of its neighboring states, including Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. These disputes have led to violence in the past, and they are likely to be a source of tension during the election campaign. The MNF government has been criticized for its handling of boundary disputes, and the ZPM is likely to attack the government’s record on this issue.

  The outcome of the 2023 Mizoram Assembly elections will depend on how these key issues are addressed by the various political parties.

  Who are the key players in Mizoram elections in 2023?

  Zoramthanga | MNF

  Zoramthanga is a trusted associate and successor to the former underground MNF leader Laldenga. He is renowned as a “Mizo nationalist” and has sought to enhance this reputation by addressing the refugee issue involving Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur internally displaced persons.

  Lalduhoma | ZPM

  Lalduhoma is the leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the party’s candidate for the position of Chief Minister. He is a former IPS officer who reportedly left his job at the behest of Laldenga. Lalduhoma is seen as a clean and honest candidate, and he is expected to focus on the issue of corruption if elected.

  Lalsawta | Congress

  Lalsawta is the president of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). He is recognized for his unblemished record and has been hailed as one of the state’s finest finance ministers. The Congress party asserts that public funds are secure in his care, making him the top choice for improving the state’s financial situation.

  Current position of parties in Mizoram

  • Mizo National Front (MNF): The MNF is the incumbent party and has been in power for the past five years. The party is led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who is a popular and charismatic figure. The MNF is likely to focus on its record of development and its commitment to protecting the interests of the Mizo people.
  • Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM): The ZPM is a new party that has emerged as a major challenger to the MNF. The party is led by Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer. The ZPM is seen as a clean and honest alternative to the MNF, and it is likely to focus on the issue of corruption.
  • Indian National Congress (INC): The Congress is the oldest party in Mizoram and has been in power for a total of 27 years. The party is led by Lalsawta, a former finance minister. The Congress is likely to focus on its experience and its commitment to social justice.

  The upcoming Assembly elections are expected to be a close contest between the MNF, the ZPM, and the Congress. The outcome of the elections will depend on several factors, including the performance of the MNF government, the effectiveness of the opposition parties’ campaigns, and caste and community समीकरण (equations).

  The elections for the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly will be held on November 7, 2023. The results will be announced on December 3, 2023.