Aizawl: A day after the results of four States – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh – were announced, counting of votes for Mizoram Assembly elections is underway today, with W. Chhuanawma of Zoram People’s Movement being the first win of the day, defeating Mizoram deputy CM and Mizo National Front leader Tawnluia by a margin of 909 votes.

 Originally scheduled for Dec. 3, the counting day was rescheduled to Dec. 4 as Sunday was devoted to church duties and prayers. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has also lost to ZPM’s Lalthansanga from Aizawl East-I constituency. Counting of votes began at 8 am. The 40-seat Assembly went into polling on Nov. 7 and saw an approximate voter turnout of 80.66 percent.

The elections held for the 40 Assembly seats in Mizoram on Nov. 7 witnessed a keenly contested battle, with key players including the Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Congress, and BJP vying for supremacy.

According to the exit polls projections, the electoral stage appears to be set for a riveting showdown primarily between the regional heavyweights, MNF and ZPM. The exit poll results have indicated a neck-and-neck fight between the ruling MNF and former IPS officer Lalduhoma’s ZPM.

Some predicted that the ruling MNF, led by chief minister Zoramthanga, holds an advantage, while some have projected a victory for ZPM. As per the initial trends, the ZPM is looking poised to register a landslide victory. MNF, ZPM and Congress contested in all 40 Assembly seats, while BJP contested in only 23 seats in the State.