Counting begins in Mizoram; MNF with slight lead in first hours

AIZAWL: The counting of votes has commenced in Mizoram, marking the final leg of five state assembly elections. The ruling party, Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition Soram People's Movement (ZPM) are currently neck-and-neck in the initial counting which began at eight o'clock.

Initially, ZPM took the lead but was soon overtaken by Chief Minister Soramthanka's MNF, now leading in seven seats. The latest count reveals the status in 18 seats: MNF in the lead in nine, ZPM in five and Congress and BJP in two seats each.

Mizoram Assembly has 40 seats up for grabs, with 21 required for an absolute majority. Exit poll predictions also indicated a tight contest between the MNF and ZPM. While two-thirds of exit polls favour MNF, one shows ZPM leading. Congress remains a significant third force in the state.

The MNF secured power in 2018 with 26 seats. The current counting indicates a highly competitive race for dominance in the assembly.