The Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) will forward complaints of alleged Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations against Chief Minister Lalduhoma and his adviser Dr Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah to the Election Commission for a final decision, officials said on Sunday.

The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) alleged that the chief minister and his adviser violated the MCC ahead of the Dampa assembly bypoll by announcing development projects and distributing free medicines.

Joint Chief Electoral Officer Ethel Rothangpuii said the CEO’s office received explanations from the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) after issuing show-cause notices to Lalduhoma and Chinzah. The complaints were investigated by the Mamit District Election Officer and the Dampa Returning Officer, and their reports have now been forwarded to the poll panel. The Election Commission is likely to take a decision on the matter on Monday.

According to MNF advocate Zothansangi Hmar, Lalduhoma allegedly announced a Rs 700-crore water supply project for Reiek and 14 other villages and promised turmeric processing machines to farmers. The complaint also accused Chinzah of conducting free health clinics at Parvatui and Phulpui West villages on October 17, where free medicines were distributed.

Officials said a show-cause notice was also issued to the BJP for allegedly distributing free T-shirts in parts of the Dampa constituency.

The Dampa bypoll is scheduled for November 11, with counting to take place on November 14. The ruling ZPM has fielded singer-preacher Vanlalsailova, while the MNF, Congress, and BJP candidates are Dr R Lalthangliana, John Rotluangliana, and Lalhmingthanga respectively. The seat fell vacant following the death of MNF MLA Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.