Voting for Mizoram’s Dampa Assembly bypoll is underway under tight security with over 56% turnout recorded by 1 p.m. The five-cornered contest features major parties including ZPM, MNF, Congress, BJP, and the People’s Conference. Counting on November 14.
Polling for the Dampa Assembly by-election in Mizoram’s Mamit district is underway amid tight security and high voter enthusiasm, with over 56.35 per cent turnout recorded by 1 p.m., officials said on Tuesday.
The polling, which began at 7 a.m. across 41 polling stations, has so far remained peaceful with no untoward incidents reported, according to the Election Department. The by-election is being held following the death of Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21, which left the seat vacant.
Strong Voter Turnout in Dampa Constituency
The Dampa Assembly constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribes, has a total of 20,790 eligible voters, including 10,185 women. Voting will continue until 4 p.m. without any interruption, as authorities ensure every voter gets a fair chance to exercise their democratic right.
The Mizoram Election Department said that webcasting has been arranged in 40 out of 41 polling stations for real-time monitoring. Only the Zopui polling station was excluded from webcasting due to poor network connectivity in the remote area.
Three polling stations have been marked as “critical” due to their sensitivity, prompting increased deployment of security forces. Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel are stationed not only at polling stations but also along border areas adjoining Bangladesh and Tripura, given the porous and unfenced border in the region.
Five-Cornered Contest Reflects Mizoram’s Political Diversity
The Dampa bypoll has turned into a five-cornered electoral battle featuring prominent state leaders and parties:
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The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has fielded Vanlalsailova, a popular Mizo gospel singer and preacher.
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The Opposition MNF has nominated R. Lalthangliana, its Vice-President and former Health Minister.
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The Congress is represented by John Rotluangliana, State Vice-President and former Transport Minister.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Lalhmingthanga.
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The People’s Conference (PC), founded by former Chief Minister Brigadier T. Sailo, has nominated its Vice-President K. Zahmingthanga.
With all five candidates being well-known public figures, the constituency is witnessing intense political competition, reflecting the evolving multi-party landscape of Mizoram.
Security and Fairness Prioritized
State election officials emphasized that the polling process is being conducted strictly under Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines. Presiding officers, polling personnel, and security forces have been instructed to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
“All officers and security personnel are on high alert to handle any potential law and order issue. Immediate and appropriate action will be taken in case of any violation of election rules or poll-day offences,” said an Election Department spokesperson.
Inspector General of Police (Headquarters and Law & Order) H. Ramthlengliana is overseeing the entire security arrangement for the bypoll. Special arrangements have also been made to secure the interstate and international borders to prevent any cross-border interference or illegal activity during the voting process.
A Symbol of Democratic Participation
The Dampa constituency, known for its diverse population including Chakma and Reang tribal communities, often serves as a barometer for inter-community political engagement in Mizoram’s western belt. The high voter turnout so far indicates strong civic participation and trust in the electoral process.
Observers believe that the outcome of this bypoll could influence the political dynamics ahead of the 2026 state elections, especially for emerging parties like ZPM that have challenged the MNF-Congress duopoly in the state’s politics.
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The counting of votes will be held on November 14, and the result will reveal whether the ruling ZPM continues its momentum or if the MNF manages to reclaim its lost ground in western Mizoram.
