MNF has edge over Cong

Although no reliable survey has been conducted in the state as yet, political observers see it as a battle tougher for Congress than the ruling Mizo National Front.

Although no reliable survey has been conducted in the state as yet, political observers see it as a battle tougher for Congress than the ruling Mizo National Front.

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The MNF may face anti-incumbency factor, but considering serious dissensions within the Opposition Congress, the former stand a brighter chance, the observers say. A likely vertical split in the state Congress may further dampen the party's chances.

Besides a fractured Congress, what has also given the ruling MNF a distinct edge in the elections is the emergence of Zoramthanga as the new peacemaker in the entire insurgency-hit northeast.

However, some experts believe that although Zoramthanga has announced 'good governance, stability and peace' to be main poll issues, he cannot be safely predicted a winner.

In the last state elections, the MNF-Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) alliance had won 33 seats in the 40-member assembly, while the Congress managed to win just six seats. One independent candidate also won the polls.