The Dampa Assembly constituency in Mizoram recorded an impressive 83.07 per cent voter turnout in the bypolls held on Tuesday, reflecting the electorate’s strong participation in what is being viewed as a precursor to the state’s upcoming local elections.
The bypoll was necessitated following the death of two-time Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) MLA Lalrintluanga Sailo in July. The outcome of this election is expected to have a bearing on the forthcoming Lai Autonomous district council polls on December 3 and the Aizawl Municipal Corporation elections early next year.
Mizoram is currently ruled by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), which had won 27 of the 40 Assembly seats in the 2023 polls, dislodging the MNF from power.
An election official told The Telegraph that the final voter turnout figure of 83.07 per cent was compiled from all 41 polling stations.Polling began at 7am under tight security. Five candidates contested the seat — R. Lalthangliana (MNF), Vanlalsailova (ZPM), Lalhmingthanga Sailo (BJP), John Rotluangliana (Congress) and K. Zahmingthanga (People’s Conference).
If the MNF loses the bypoll, its strength in the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will drop to nine seats, costing it the Leader of the Opposition status.
Results will be declared on November 14.