The Mizo National Front (MNF) on Wednesday announced senior leader and former cabinet minister R. Lalthangliana as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Dampa assembly constituency of Mamit district. The Election Commission is yet to announce the polling date.

The seat fell vacant following the death of sitting MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.

Lalthangliana, who has previously held important portfolios including Health, Commerce & Industries, and Higher & Technical Education in the last Zoramthanga-led government, narrowly lost the South Tuipui constituency in the 2023 state elections to Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) candidate Jeje Lalpekhlua by just 135 votes.

The ruling ZPM has already fielded singer-turned-politician Vanlalsailova for the Dampa bypoll. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have not yet announced their candidates, though state BJP chief K. Beichhua confirmed that the nominee’s name has been finalized and sent to the central leadership for approval.

Political analysts expect a closely fought contest, with the Dampa by-election seen as a key indicator of the state’s evolving political landscape.