New Delhi: The eagerly awaited results of the assembly elections in five states, originally slated for declaration on December 3, have faced a shift in Mizoram. Following the recent reshuffle in the Election Commission, the announcement of results for only four states is now scheduled for December 3, while Mizoram’s counting of votes has been rescheduled to December 4. The decision comes in response to mounting demands for a change in the counting date, particularly voiced by the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) in Mizoram.
The NGOCC, comprising prominent civil society organizations and student groups, including the influential Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Jiralai Pawal (MZP), proposed December 3 as the counting day after the state assembly elections. Widespread protests erupted across Mizoram, with strong demonstrations witnessed in the state capital Aizawl and other district headquarters.
NGOCC President Lalhamchhuana accused the Election Commission of disregarding repeated appeals from churches and NGOs to alter the counting date, emphasizing the sanctity of Sunday as a holy day for Christians in the Christian-majority state of Mizoram. Lalhamchuana highlighted that a delegation from NGOCC had previously met with Election Commission officials in Delhi, expressing disappointment at the Commission’s silence on the matter.
CYMA President Lalhamchuana asserted that the protest aimed to safeguard the Mizo community and their religion. Leaders from various organizations, including Mizo Hamichhe Insuihkhawmpawal (MHIP), Mizoram Mahila Sangh, Mizo Students Union (MSU), and MZP, addressed the rally. Mizoram witnessed assembly elections on November 7, with over 80 percent voter turnout among the state’s 8.57 lakh eligible voters. A total of 174 candidates contested, and the counting process is set to commence at 8 am across all 13 counting centers and 40 counting halls in the state, beginning with postal ballot counting followed by the tabulation of votes recorded in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).