Mizoram Assembly Election 2023 Key Issues: Voting for as many as 40 constituencies—or Assembly seats—took place in Mizoram on November 7. The outcome of the state assembly polls will be announced after the counting of votes on December 4.
In Mizoram, where the majority of seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs), the primary electoral contest unfolds among the reigning Mizo National Front (MNF), the Congress party, and the Zoram People’s Movement. Concurrently, the BJP aims to assert its influence in the political arena.
The Congress party has voiced apprehensions regarding cultural and identity issues, criticizing the BJP on these grounds. Additionally, they have underscored the significance of the Mizo accord, which played a pivotal role in fostering peace within the state.
What are the key issues in 2023 Mizoram polls?
Young voters express their optimism, anticipating that the incoming Mizoram government will focus on fostering comprehensive development within the state. Employment remains the main concern among the youth of the state. “Mizoram is the second highest state in unemployment. I want a government that can give the opportunity for employment and solve the unemployment issue in the state. We want a corruption-free government,” 19-year-old Felisha, a first-time voter of the Aizawl city, told ANI.
Mizoram is currently grappling with a refugee crisis stemming from the ethnic conflict in Manipur. “We need to form the government to carry forward the development work that we have started. The influx of refugees from Myanmar, the situation in Manipur and the refugees crossing over into our territory from Bangladesh are issues that the elections would be contested on,” PTI quoted chief minister as saying last month.
Furthermore, the MNF government in Mizoram’s declaration of defying the Centre’s order to collect biometric data from Myanmarese refugees has drawn attention, as reported by the Financial Express in September this year.
The persistent border disputes with Assam continue to be a pressing issue in the two states. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the escalating influx of drugs into Mizoram.
A segment of society in Manipur advocates for the reunification of all Zo people—Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi—under a unified administrative setup. According to multiple media reports, both the Mizos in Mizoram and the Kukis in Manipur share the same ethnic background as Zo-Chin people residing between the hills of Manipur and the Chin state of Myanmar.