Aizawl, 18 June (HS): Voting for Mizoram's lone Rajya Sabha seat concluded peacefully on Thursday, witnessing a direct contest between the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF). The election is being closely watched as the seat is set to fall vacant following the completion of the term of incumbent Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena in July 2026.

A total of 36 legislators cast their votes in the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly. Voting concluded ahead of schedule at around 11:00 a.m., with Chief Minister Lalduhoma becoming the first legislator to exercise his franchise. The ruling ZPM fielded party spokesperson K. Laltluangkima, while the MNF nominated advocate and writer Zothansangi Hmar as its candidate.

Three legislators abstained from the polling process, including two MLAs from the BJP and one from the Congress. Meanwhile, ZPM legislator W. Chhuanawma could not participate in the voting due to health-related reasons.

The ruling ZPM, which enjoys a comfortable majority in the Assembly with 27 members, entered the contest as the clear favourite. Of its legislators, 26 cast their votes, while all 10 MNF MLAs participated in the election.

Counting of votes is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Assembly building in Aizawl. Given the party's numerical strength in the House, ZPM candidate K. Laltluangkima is widely expected to secure victory and succeed outgoing Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena.

According to the Assembly's current composition, the ZPM holds 27 seats, the MNF 10, BJP 2 and Congress 1. The election result is expected to formally determine Mizoram's representation in the Upper House of Parliament for the next term.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash