Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma Reprimanded by Election Commission for Model Code of Conduct Violations

The polling for the Dampa assembly bypoll will be held on November 11.

Aizawl:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a reprimand to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma for violating the model code of conduct (MCC) during his campaign activities for the Dampa assembly bypoll, according to an official statement on Monday.

After reviewing analysis from the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and examining the explanation provided by Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) party president Lalliansawta, the ECI determined the response to be "unacceptable."

In its official communication to the Mizoram CEO on Saturday, the Election Commission explicitly condemned the statement made by Lalduhoma.

The Commission directed the ZPM party president to ensure all star campaigners strictly adhere to the model code of conduct guidelines.

The ECI further warned that ZPM star campaigners must refrain from making statements that could potentially disturb the level playing field for elections or create doubts regarding the integrity of the electoral process.

According to an official, the poll panel emphasized that star campaigners should exercise caution during public addresses, as the model code of conduct requires public servants, including ministers, to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.

The main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) recently filed a complaint with the state joint chief electoral officer alleging that during the ZPM campaign launch at West Phaileng village on October 21, the chief minister announced a new Rs 770 crore water supply project involving dam construction in Reiek village to serve Reiek and 14 neighboring villages.

Additionally, the MNF lodged a complaint against Dr. Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah, an adviser to the Chief Minister and MLA, alleging that he organized free health clinics in Parvatui and Phulpui West villages where substantial quantities of medicines were distributed without charge on October 17.

On Thursday, the MNF's legal board submitted another complaint accusing Lalduhoma of further MCC violations by allegedly making provocative statements with potential to trigger communal tension and misusing his official position to intimidate voters.

Mizoram CEO Lalrozama informed PTI that the election department has requested an explanation from the ZPM regarding the fresh complaint. The matter will be forwarded to the Election Commission along with the CEO office's analysis and the ZPM's response.

The polling for the Dampa assembly bypoll will be held on November 11.