Mizoram Elections 2018: Experts Have Their Say

Will Congress keep their hold over Mizoram or is the anti-incumbency factor high this time around? Experts discuss.

Is there a mood for change in Mizoram?

(Photo: PTI)

Mizoram’s state polls concluded on Wednesday, 28 November, with three main contenders for the seats - the Congress, which is currently in rule under Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla; regional party Mizo National Front (MNF), which has been giving the Congress a run for its money since Mizoram became a state in 1987; and the BJP, which doesn’t have much of a stronghold in the state.

These elections are an important run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, as Mizoram is the only state in the North East, where the BJP is not in control – individually or in any form of alliance.

But is there a mood for change in Mizoram, after a 10-year Congress rule? Adam Saprinsanga, editor of The Frontier Despatch, says an anti-incumbency factor does exist, but no party has been able to strongly put it forth. He also added that eight parties contesting the elections will lead to fragmentation of votes.

JC Zomuanthanga, assistant professor at the Department of Political Science in Mizoram University, says the MNF has carried out an extensive and good campaign this year around. While talking about the chances of the BJP coming in the state, Zomuanthanga says religion would play a big factor in this sense, as Mizoram is mostly a Christian-dominated state and religion is a major factor for the BJP, which might work against them in Mizoram.