With the elections to the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) scheduled for December 3, the Mizo National Front (MNF) has made a strong poll pledge—promising to enact an anti-defection law if it returns to power. The announcement comes amid years of political instability in the autonomous councils, where frequent shifts in allegiance have often disrupted governance and undermined public trust.
Campaigning for party candidates, MNF vice-president Lalchhandama Ralte said the absence of an anti-defection mechanism has encouraged opportunistic switching among elected members in the Lai, Mara, and Chakma Autonomous District Councils. He argued that such instability has harmed the credibility of local governance and eroded the dignity of the Lai people.
Ralte launched sharp criticism at the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), accusing the party of failing to deliver on key promises made during the 2023 assembly elections. He described the ZPM as “a group of broken pots,” claiming that the party’s diversity of backgrounds has led to internal friction, resignations, and weakened public confidence. He also pointed to the ZPM’s recent electoral setbacks—including defeats in the Sinlung Hills Council elections and the Dampa bypoll—as indicators of the ruling party’s declining support.
Alleging that the ZPM government has undermined the rights of district councils, Ralte said the adoption of the Forest Conservation Amendment Act has affected land ownership and transfer rights traditionally held by the councils. He asserted that an MNF-led council would work to safeguard these rights and restore stability through strong legislative measures.
This year’s election will see 80 candidates contesting 25 seats, including 11 independents. The ZPM is contesting all 25 seats, the MNF has fielded 20 candidates, while the Congress and BJP have nominated 14 and 10 candidates respectively. Counting will take place on December 9, and the current council’s term ends on December 18.
In the previous elections held in December 2020, the MNF—then the ruling party—secured a landslide victory, winning 20 of the 25 seats. The BJP and Congress won one seat each, while three independents were elected.
Established in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the Lai Autonomous District Council represents the Lai tribal community. Headquartered in Lawngtlai, Mizoram’s southernmost district adjoining Myanmar and Bangladesh, the council includes 25 elected members and four nominated representatives.
