The Dampa (ST) Assembly Constituency by-election in Mizoram concluded peacefully on Monday, recording a voter turnout of 83.07 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India. Polling was conducted across 41 stations, starting at 7 am and continuing beyond 8 pm at Marpara Pokling, where voters queued well into the evening. Despite minor technical issues with VVPAT machines at a few polling stations, officials confirmed that all glitches were promptly resolved, ensuring uninterrupted voting. The District Election Office monitored 40 webcast-enabled stations, though poor network connectivity at Zopui prevented live transmission from that location.
The by-election was necessitated by the demise of sitting MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo in July. The outcome is seen as a critical test for the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) ahead of the Lai Autonomous District Council elections on December 3 and the Aizawl Municipal Corporation polls early next year. For the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), retaining the seat is key to maintaining its standing in the 40-member Assembly, where it currently holds nine seats, one short of the ten needed to claim the Leader of Opposition post. Meanwhile, the BJP, with two MLAs in the state, aims to strengthen its presence in the Christian-majority region.
Chief Electoral Officer Lalrozama confirmed that polling remained peaceful at all locations, including the critical stations Silsury I, II, and III. Rulpuihlim recorded the highest turnout at 89.30 per cent, closely followed by Chhippui at 89.29 per cent.The Dampa constituency, in Mamit district bordering Bangladesh and Tripura, has a diverse electorate comprising Mizo, Chakma, and Bru communities, with a total of 20,888 eligible voters. Vote counting is scheduled for November 14, with results expected to indicate the political trend ahead of upcoming local elections.
