Mizoram Elections 2023: The Election Commission has affirmed its decision by going ahead with the scheduled counting of votes for the Mizoram assembly polls on December 3, discarding repeated appeals from various groups to change it, a top official said on Thursday.
As December 3 marks Sunday, despite calls from major political parties in the Christian-majority state, civil society organisations, and others to alter the date due to its clash with church programmes. Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer Madhup Vyas stated, “I have discussed the matter with the Election Commission. Counting will be held as per the schedule announced by the commission,” Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer Madhup Vyas told PTI.
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Vyas visited Delhi and engaged with EC officials on Tuesday concerning the issue. He mentioned that only the designated staff directly under the EC would be involved in the counting process on December 3, allowing the general public freedom to pursue their activities.
“Counting has to take place for all five states at the pre-designated date,” Vyas added.
Vote counting is scheduled for Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Telangana on December 3. Mizoram had its polling for the 40-member assembly on November 7, witnessing a turnout of over 80 per cent from the 8.57 lakh eligible voters, determining the fate of 174 candidates.
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Various political parties, including the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), BJP, church, student bodies, and the NGO Coordination Committee, appealed to the EC to reschedule the counting date. They urged for December 4 or 5, avoiding the clash with Sunday, considering that Christians comprise 87 percent of Mizoram’s population, according to the 2011 census.
(With PTI Inputs)