MNF files plaint against Mizoram CM for election code ‘violation’

Aizawl: The office of the chief electoral officer (CEO) in Mizoram has received a complaint from the main opposition party, Mizo National Front (MNF), alleging violations of the election model code of conduct (EMCC) by CM Lalduhoma and Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah, an adviser to the chief minister on health matters.The complaint pertains to activities conducted in the lead-up to the upcoming by-election for the Dampa assembly constituency, scheduled for Nov 11.The by-election was necessitated by the death of MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.According to CEO officials, the complaint was submitted by Zothansangi Hmar, an advocate representing MNF. The complaint alleges that during a campaign event on Oct 21, Lalduhoma announced a new water supply project involving the construction of a dam in Reiek village, costing Rs 770 crore, which would benefit Reiek and 14 nearby villages.

This announcement is claimed to be a violation of the EMCC.Additionally, the complaint accuses Chinzah of organising a free health clinic on Oct 17 in Parvatui and Phulpui West villages, where a large amount of medicines were distributed at no cost. The MNF argues that these actions contravene specific chapters of the EMCC.Joint chief electoral officer Ethel Rothangpuii said the complaint has been forwarded to the district election officer (DEO) of Mamit district and the returning officer (RO) for the Dampa assembly seat by-election.

An investigation is underway, and the findings will be sent to the Election Commission of India for a decision.In a related development, the DEO of Mamit district has filed a suo moto complaint against BJP for allegedly distributing T-shirts in the Dampa constituency, which is also considered a violation of the EMCC.Meanwhile, preparations for the bypoll continue, with the second randomisation of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems completed on Monday. The process, supervised by general observer M T Reju, involved 82 EVMs and VVPATs for 41 polling stations, with district election officials and representatives from various political parties in attendance.