Sundays are sacred in Mizoram — this was the message the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Opposition Congress in poll-bound Mizoram conveyed to the Election Commission of India while urging the poll panel to reschedule the date of counting for the upcoming Assembly polls.
The Election Commission had on Monday announced the Assembly poll schedule for Mizoram. The poll is scheduled on November 7 and the counting of votes on December 3.
Within hours of the announcement, the MNF and the Congress in separate representations urged chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar to reschedule the date of counting as it fell on a Sunday, a day most people in the Christian-majority state are involved in prayers and other Church-related activities.
Over 87 per cent of the state’s population is Christian.
Mizoram PCC president Lalsawta in his letter to the CEC wanted the date of counting between December 4 and 8.
“As you are aware, Sunday is a sacred day for the people of Mizoram, which is devoted solely to the worship of God. No official programmes or business are transacted
on Sunday in Mizoram,” Lalsawta said in his representation.
He added: “We know that not only the Congress party but also the Christian community in Mizoram would not like the counting of votes on Sunday. I, therefore, request you to respect the sentiments of the Mizo people and fix the date for counting votes preferably between Monday and Friday.”
The MNF, which is headed by incumbent chief minister Zoramthanga, wanted the date of counting changed to December 4.
In a letter to the CEC, MNF general secretary (general headquarters) T.C. Kaphmingthanga pointed out that Mizos are “cent per cent” Christians, Sunday is an “important day” for Christians and church meetings are held in “all villages” in the state.
“Such being the situation in the state of Mizoram, the Mizo National Front of Mizoram approach the Election Commission of India to kindly refix the date of counting on 4.12.2023 (Monday),” the MNF leader urged.
The Congress was unseated in the 2018 elections by the MNF after two straight terms. The Congress could win only five seats in the 40-member Assembly and lose the last state it was ruling in the Northeast to the BJP or its ally.