Mizoram: MNF, ZPM in neck-to-neck fight in early trends

Aizawl, Dec 4  The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) were involved in a neck-to-neck fight in the initial round of vote count for the 40 assembly seats in Mizoram on Monday.
According to preliminary data from the Election Commission of India, the MNF and ZPM were ahead in five seats each out of the trends of 12 constituencies available so far.
The BJP and Congress are leading in one seat each.
State additional chief electoral officer H Lianzela said over 4,000 counting officials are involved in the counting exercise being conducted in 11 district headquarters.
Counting of postal ballots was taken up first at 8 am, followed by the counting of votes polled through electronic voting machines (EVMs).
There are 13 counting centres. Altogether there are 40 counting halls, one for each assembly constituency. Every counting hall is monitored by one counting observer..
Altogether 399 counting tables are in place.
Chief Electoral officer Madhup Vyas told reporters hat fool-proof security arrangements have ben made with the deployment of both the state police and the central armed police force (CAPF) in all the counting halls.
A total of 170 candidates are in the fray. However, with four of them contesting from two assembly seats each, the tal number of contestants have gone up to 174.
The MNF, ZPM and Congress are fighting in all the assembly seats while the BJP is in the race in 23 seats and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in four. There are 27 independent aspirants.
The Election Commission on Friday deferred the counting from December 3 (Sunday) to 4 following representations from the church, the political parties, civil society and non-governmental organisations.
In a press release, the EC said Sunday holds “special significance” for the people of Mizoram, as it is a day for attending church in the Christian-majority state.