In a significant development, the Election Commission has decided to alter the counting date for the Mizoram assembly polls to December 4.
Commission’s Decision and Reasoning
The Election Commission, in response to multiple representations, has officially rescheduled the counting date for the Mizoram election. The initial date, set for December 3, 2023 (Sunday), faced calls for reconsideration due to its special significance to the people of Mizoram.
In an official statement, the poll panel stated, “The Commission has received several representations from various quarters requesting a change in the date of counting from 3rd December, 2023 (Sunday) to some other weekday, considering the special significance of 3rd December, 2023, for the people of Mizoram.”
Considering these representations, the Election Commission has decided to revise the counting date for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram from 3rd December, 2023 (Sunday) to 4th December, 2023 (Monday).
Background and Initial Decision
Initially, the poll panel had adhered to December 3 as the designated day for counting votes in Mizoram, aligning with other states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. However, various stakeholders, including major political parties and civil society organizations, urged the poll panel to reconsider this decision. The primary concern was that December 3 falls on a Sunday, coinciding with church programs.
Clarification from Mizoram’s Chief Electoral Officer
Madhup Vyas, Mizoram’s chief electoral officer, clarified that the counting of votes does not involve the common people. Therefore, individuals are free to engage in their activities on December 3, as only the designated staff directly under the EC would be participating in the vote counting process.
Conclusion
Having conducted polling on November 7 for the 40-member Mizoram assembly, where more than 80 per cent of the over 8.57 lakh voters exercised their democratic right, the Election Commission’s decision to revise the counting date to December 4 reflects a responsive approach to the concerns raised by various quarters. This adjustment aims to ensure that the democratic process aligns with the cultural and religious sentiments of the people of Mizoram.
