Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Mizoram EC moves to hold by-polls after heads of Mizoram's 3 tribal districts become MLAs

With the respective heads of the Chakma, Lai and Mara tribal Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Mizoram having become MLAs in the just-concluded Assembly polls, the State Election Commission has begun proceedings to hold by-elections for the three top posts.

While Mara ADC chairman Hiphei, a former Parliamentarian, has become Speaker of the seventh Mizoram Legislative Assembly after winning the Palak seat on Congress ticket, the Lai ADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) C Ngunlianchunga has become a Minister of State in Lal Thanhawla's fifth state government after winning the Lawngtlai West seat. Lai ADC CEM Dr BD Chakma has also become an MoS after winning the Tuichawng seat for the Congress.

Just before the Assembly polls got underway, a collective of some ADC members had won a Gauhati High Court case where they challenged a state law that makes it necessary for ADC members to first resign from their posts before contesting state-wide polls.

State Election Commission secretary H Darzika held a meeting with ADC officials and respective district Deputy Commissioners in Aizawl on Tuesday to discuss the by-polls, beginning with roll revisions. The dates have however not been fixed yet.