39 pc voting recorded till noon in Mizoram Assembly polls

Guwahati: Brisk polling is underway in Mizoram as till noon, 39 per cent turnout was recorded in the hilly state.

Voting began at 0700 hrs and will end at 1600 hrs.

Around 7,70,000 electorate are expected to seal the fate of 209 candidates, 18 of whom are women, for the 40- member House as the state goes to polls for the eighth time since it was declared a state in 1987.

Voting in some booths delayed due to fault in 42 VVPATs, 19 control units and 25 ballot units, an official said.

Congress, which has been in power in Mizoram since 2008, is eyeing a third consecutive term in the state.

While the direct contest is between the Congress and Mizo National Front, BJP, National People’s Party and Zoram People’s Movement could play crucial roles in the formation of the next government.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two seats — Serchhip and Champhai South. (UNI)