Aizawl, Jan 23: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday emphasized the need for village and local councils to work closely with the state government to promote sustainable development. His comments came as the state prepares for the February 12 elections, which will decide the members of 544 village councils in nine districts and 111 local councils within the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC).

Speaking at the announcement of candidates for the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) in the Thenzawl block of Serchhip district, Lalduhoma expressed concern over the lack of cooperation between opposition-led councils and the government, which often leads to government schemes and facilities failing to reach the public. He stated that this lack of collaboration is a major obstacle to development in these areas.

“Village councils (VCs) and local councils (LCs) must work hand-in-hand with the government to ensure effective development. We urgently need councils that are aligned with the government to bring about meaningful progress,” Lalduhoma said.

The Chief Minister also urged ZPM members across the state to support party candidates in the upcoming elections. The counting of votes for the village and local council elections will take place on the evening of February 12, after polling ends.

The State Election Commission (SEC) has set January 23 as the final date for filing nominations, with withdrawals allowed until January 27. Nomination papers will be scrutinized on January 24.

The elections will include 2,416 seats across 544 village councils, with 613 reserved for women, and 723 seats across 111 local councils, including 195 reserved for women. A total of 4,37,708 voters, including 2,22,098 women, are eligible to vote in the village council elections, while 2,44,726 voters will participate in the local council elections.

Meanwhile, the SEC has instructed police authorities in the nine districts to investigate the circulation of fake news on social media, which falsely claims that candidates from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families are ineligible to contest in the elections. The SEC clarified that there are no such eligibility restrictions for candidates in the upcoming village and local council polls.