Newmai News Network Aizawl | October 24 Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), an electoral alliance formed by seven political parties, on Wednesday announced names of 35 candidates including two women for the assembly polls slated for November 28. The ZPM said it will contest in 39 out of the 40 assembly constituencies by leaving Tuichawng constituency in "Chakma area" due to the directives served by civil society organisations not to field any candidate belonging to Chakma community. Candidates for four constituencies namely Lawngtlai West, Lawngtlai East, Siaha and Palak are yet to be declared. The alliance chief ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma will contest from Serchhip and Aizawl. West-I, according to the list released by ZPM Val Upa Council Chairman, Lalfakzuala in a function held at Aijal Club here on Wednesday. He will contest against state Congress president and chief minister, Lal Thanhawla, MNF candidate, C Lalramzauva and PRISM president, Vanlalruata in Serchhip and MNF's sitting MLA, K. Sangthuama in Aizawl West –I. The ZPM alliance secretary general, K Sapdanga will contest from Aizawl East-I to be up against former chief minister and MNF chief Zoramthanga and Congress candidate K. Vanlalrawna. Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC) president, Lalhmangaiha Sailo will contest from Aizawl West-II. He will fight against MNF sitting MLA, Lalruatkima and Congress youth president, Dr Lalmalsawma Nghaka. ZPM is the first political party to field two women candidates, while Congress has one. The BJP is likely to field some women candidates. F Lalrintluangi has been fielded in Dampa, while Lalrinpuii would contest from Lunglei East. Among those fielded by the ZPM include six church elders including prominent pastor, Rev. Dr. K. Thanzauva. Of the 35 candidates, 11 are Master degree holders, 2 Doctorate degree holders, 2 Theologians, 12 are graduates and 11 are under graduate. Among the candidates, K. Thanzauva, (72), is the senior most in age wise, while Andrew H. Thangliana from Tuirial constituency and V. Malsawmtluanga from Lunglei North constituency, both aged 30 are the youngest of all. There are 10 candidates, who are 60 years and above and 24 candidates, who are 60 years and below. Speaking to reporters at the sideline of the candidate names releasing function, ZMP chief ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma said that the alliance will come to power after the assembly elections. He also said that people want change and new government, "and that is the reason why ZPM will come to power". “We would not only establish new government but also introduce new system,” he added. He also said that his government will give priority to the six basic needs of Mizoram advocated by former Mizoram chief minister and veteran politician late Brig. T. Sailo which include self- sufficient in power and food grains. Lalduhoma also expressed hope that he would defeat the incumbent chief minister, Lal Thanhawla in Serchhip and also win Aizawl West-I. ZPM is an electoral alliance formed in August last year by seven regional parties comprising of Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP), Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC), Zoram Exodus Movement (ZEM), Zoram Decentralisation Front (ZDF), Zoram Reformation Front (ZRF), Mizoram People’s Party (MPP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The alliance focuses mainly on upliftment of the farmers and introduction of new system in the state.
