File photo: A woman casts her vote in Mizoram
The counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram assembly will take place today. Elections in the state of Mizoram were held on November 25.
State Joint Chief Electoral Officer H Lalengmawia on Sunday said that elaborate security arrangements have been made in the counting centres in the eight districts.
Director General of Election Commission of India Ashish Srivastava and a number of observers have already arrived to supervise and oversee the process, he said.
A total of 142 candidates which includes six women, are contesting in the election.
The ruling Congress has contested for all 40 seats in the state as has the Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA). MDA constituent Mizo National Front (MNF) is contesting for 31 seats, Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) for eight and Maraland Democratic Front (MDF) contested for one.
Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) has fielded candidates to 38 seats while BJP is contesting for 17 seats. Others included 2 NCP candidates, one from the Jai Maha Bharhat Party and four independent candidates.
Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress is in the reckoning from Serchhip, his home turf, and neighbouring Hrangturzo. The main opponent MNF leader and former chief minister Zoramthanga is trying his luck from Tuipui East seat.