There is sense of optimism among the rank and file of the Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition to the Congress in Mizoram. Their optimism is based on the history of the state where governments change every 10 years. However, it appears that smaller parties are going play a crucial in this assembly polls. The MNF has been out of power for 10 years now. The party's performance was dismal in the last two assembly polls and this time the task doesn't look easy at all.