Aizawl, Nov 14 (NationPress) The vote counting for the Dampa Assembly bypoll, conducted on November 11, commenced at 8 a.m. on Friday amidst strict security measures, as reported by officials.

Mamit District Election Officer Lalnunfela Chawngthu indicated that the first phase will involve counting postal ballots, followed by votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The counting process in the Mamit district headquarters will consist of five rounds.

Votes are being tallied in a single counting hall that features nine counting tables, including one dedicated to postal ballots. Each table is overseen by a counting supervisor along with two assistants.

Central observers designated by the Election Commission will be present to oversee the counting process.

The by-election for the Dampa Assembly seat was conducted peacefully on November 11, with a turnout of 83.07% of the 20,790 eligible voters, including 10,185 women. This bypoll was necessitated due to the passing of opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.

Five candidates representing both the ruling and opposition parties contested in this significant bypoll.

The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has nominated Mizo singer and preacher Vanlalsailova, while the MNF has put forth its Vice-President and former Health Minister R. Lalthangliana. The Congress has selected its state Vice President and former Transport Minister John Rotluangliana, with the BJP nominating Lalhmingthanga.

The People’s Conference, led by former Chief Minister Brigadier T. Sailo, has fielded its Vice President K. Zahmingthanga.

This Assembly segment shares an unfenced border with Bangladesh and an inter-state border with Tripura, hosting a considerable minority population, including members of the Chakma and Reang tribal communities.

The Dampa Assembly bypoll serves as a critical test for the ruling ZPM, helmed by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, as the results could potentially influence the forthcoming Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) elections on December 3, as well as the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections later this year.

A win in this bypoll would be a significant morale booster for the ZPM, particularly given the growing criticism from opposition parties, especially the MNF. For the MNF, this bypoll is crucial; a defeat would diminish its numbers to nine in the 40-member Assembly, jeopardizing its claim to the Leader of Opposition position. A minimum of 10 MLAs is required for this role, and the MNF is currently at nine following the demise of Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.

Meanwhile, the BJP, with two MLAs in the House, is vying to strengthen its presence in this Christian-majority border state by contesting this mixed-population seat.