Aizawl : Altogether 174 contestants, including 16 women and 27 Independents, have filed their nominations for the Mizoram Assembly polls scheduled to be held on November 7, an election official said on Saturday .
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 23.
The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), including 25 incumbent MLAs, opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the Congress, have fielded candidates in all the 40 Assembly constituencies.
The Bharatiya Janata Party nominated candidates in 23 seats and Aam Aadmi Party is contesting in four seats.
Chief Minister and MNF chief Zoramthanga is re-election from the Aizawl East-1 seat. He has been elected to the state Assembly six times since 1987and was Chief Minister for three terms.
ZPM president Lalduhoma is seeking re-election from Serchhip seat, while veteran Congress leader and former minister, Lalsawta is fighting from Aizawl West-III constituency.
BJP’s state unit president Vanlalhmuaka is contesting from Dampa constituency.
A total of 8,56,868 electorates, including 4,38,925 women voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Assembly polls.
The counting of votes will be held on December 3.
However, various political parties, churches, civil society groups had urged the Election Commission to reschedule the counting date as it falls on Sunday, which is a sacred day for Christians.
The Election Commission of India is to yet to respond to the pleas.
Christians constitute 87.16 per cent of Mizoram population, followed by 2.75 per cent Hindus and 1.35 per cent Muslims.
