The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), an electoral alliance formed by seven political parties in Mizoram, on Wednesday announced names of 35 candidates, including two women, for the Assembly elections slated for November 28.

The ZPM will contest 39 out of the 40 seats, leaving the Tuichawng constituency in the Chakma area because of NGOs’ diktat not to field any candidate belonging to the Chakma community.

Candidates for Lawngtlai West, Lawngtlai East, Siaha and Palak constituencies are yet to be declared.

The ZPM was formed in August last year by seven regional parties — the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP), Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC), Zoram Exodus Movement (ZEM), Zoram Decentralisation Front (ZDF), Zoram Reformation Front (ZRF), Mizoram People’s Party (MPP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

The alliance will primarily focus on uplift of farmers and good governance.

The alliance’s chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma will contest from Serchhip and Aizawl West-I, according to the list released by ZPM Val Upa Council chairman Lalfakzuala in a programme at Aijal Club here on Wednesday.

The council is an important committee of the ZPM.

He is pitted against state Congress president and chief minister Lal Thanhawla, MNF’s nominee C. Lalramzauva and Prism president Vanlalruata in Serchhip and the MNF’s sitting legislator K. Sangthuama in Aizawl West-I

MPC president Lalhmangaiha Sailo will contest from Aizawl West-II. He is pitted against MNF sitting MLA Lalruatkima and Youth Congress president Lalmalsawma Nghaka.

The ZPM is the first political party to field two women candidates.

The Congress has fielded one.

The BJP could field some women candidates too.

The ZPM has also fielded six Church elders and prominent pastor Rev. K. Thanzauva.

Eleven candidates are master’s degree holders, two doctorate degree holders, two theologians, 12 graduates and 11 under-graduates.

There are 10 candidates who are 60 and above and 24 candidates who are 60 and below.

Lalduhoma told reporters that his party would come to power this election as “people want a change”.

He said his government would give priority to the six basic needs of Mizoram advocated by former Mizoram chief minister and veteran politician late Brig. T. Sailo.

This includes self-sufficiency in power and food grains.

Lalduhoma expressed hope that he would defeat Lal Thanhawla in Serchhip and also win Aizawl West-I.