MNF Stays In Power

Blunting an anti-incumbency wave, the ruling MizoNational Front (MNF) headed by Chief Minister Zoramthanga stormed back topower in Mizoram, securing majority in the 40-member Assembly, a mandate thatcould boost the Centre's peace talks with insurgents in neighbouring Nagaland.

With counting of votes completed in 39 constituencies,the MNF secured 21 seats, same as it had bagged in the previous polls in 1998.

The Congress emerged as the main Opposition with 12seats, doubling its tally from the 1998 elections, occupying the space of the MizoPeople's Conference (MPC), the MNF's erstwhile ally, which was virtuallydecimated with its seat tally plummeting from 12 to just three.

The MPC had contested the previous polls in alliancewith the MNF but parted ways a year later.

The Zoram Nationalist Party secured two seats while theMara Democratic Front bagged one.

Counting for the Suangpuilawl constituency, whichwitnessed kidnapping of three candidates in the November 20 election, was nottaken up as the Election Commission was yet to take a decision.

Zoramthanga has been a strong supporter of the Centre'speace negotiations with the NSCN (I-M) and he himself had held a few rounds of talkswith the Naga outfit's top leadership in Bangkok.

The Chief Minister said he would stake claim to formthe new government by tomorrow and was willing to lead a coalition.

Zoramthanga was returned from both Champai and Kolasibconstituencies.

At Champai on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Zoramthangadefeated his predecessor and PCC chief Lal Thanhawla by 265 votes in atriangular contest.

He has won repeatedly from Champhai since 1987 afterhis MNF came overground.

Zoramthanga won from Kolasib by 91 votes defeating C.Lalbiakthanga of the Mizoram People's Conference.

Lal Thanhawla, who also contested from two constituencies, was successful inSerchhip constituency where he defeated an Independent supported by the rulingMNF Jerome Sawilaia by 927 votes.

MPC chief and Leader of the Opposition Lalhmingthangawon from Lunlei South constituency defeating his nearest MNF rival K. Lalsanga by62 votes.

Lalduhawma, president of the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP)and alliance partner of the MPC, who contested from two constituencies -- Ratu andAizawl South-II -- won the former seat beating Deputy Speaker Lalthan Kunga by236 votes.

Other prominent winners were Public Health EngineeringMinister Tawnluia from Lokicherra and Agriculture Minister Aichhinga and RevenueMinister Lalrinchhana from Aizawl West-I and Aizawl West-II respectively.

Losers included Speaker R. Lalawia from Khawhai, HealthMinister F Malsawma (Kawnpui) and Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board H.Pautu (Khawzawl).

The Congress contested all the 40 seats while theruling Mizo National Front fielded candidates in 39 and supported an Independentin Serchhip.