The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Friday that the election for Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha seat will be conducted on June 18, alongside 20 other seats from 10 states. The current term of the incumbent, K Vanlalvena of the Mizo National Front (MNF), is set to expire on July 19.
Election Schedule
The notification for the election will be issued on June 1 by returning officer Zothansanga Ralte, secretary of the state legislative assembly, who has been appointed by the ECI. According to the central election panel's announcement, nominations can be filed from June 1 to June 8. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 9, and the last date for withdrawal is June 11. Polling will be held on June 18 between 9 am and 4 pm, with vote counting commencing at 5 pm on the same day.
Political Reactions
Lalmuanpuia Punte, vice-president of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), informed TOI that the party’s candidate for the Rajya Sabha election will be decided by the nomination committee, which is expected to convene soon. The ZPM holds 27 seats in the 40-member state legislative assembly, making its candidate widely expected to win.
The main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), has yet to decide whether to contest the election. Leader of the opposition Lalchhandama Ralte stated that the party high command will make the final decision. The MNF currently has 10 legislators in the assembly.
About the Author
HC Vanlalruata, based in Aizawl, Mizoram, is known for his sharp, on-the-ground reporting as a regional “stinger.” He covers breaking news, ethnic affairs, and border issues from Mizoram, providing real-time updates and local insights for the national daily’s northeast bureau.
