Mizoram: All major political parties in Mizoram — the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), and Congress — have announced their candidates for the upcoming Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) elections.

The 25-member council, which governs the Lai tribal region under the Sixth Schedule, will go to polls on December 3, with counting of votes scheduled for December 9.

ZPM president Lalliansawta released the names of all 25 party candidates during a function in Aizawl. He said an eight-member search committee had screened 116 aspirants before finalizing the list through a secret ballot process.

Former chief minister and MNF president Zoramthanga unveiled his party’s full list of 25 candidates at the MNF office, confirming that the party will contest all seats. The Congress, meanwhile, announced its first list of 10 candidates, with spokesperson Dr. Lallianchhunga stating that the remaining names will be declared soon.

BJP media convener Johny Lalthanpuia said the party’s candidate list is being finalized in consultation with central leaders and will be announced shortly.

According to the Mizoram State Election Commission, the last date for filing nominations is November 14, while withdrawals can be made until November 17. The electorate comprises 56,873 voters, including 29,019 women.

In the previous LADC elections held in 2020, the MNF secured 20 seats, while the BJP and Congress won one seat each, and three independents were elected. The term of the current council will expire on December 18.