Aizawl, Nov 6: The Mizo National Front (MNF) Legal Board has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Mizoram against Chief Minister Lalduhoma, alleging violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during an election campaign meeting held at Silsury on November 1.
Addressing a press conference in Aizawl on Thursday, Saihmingliana Sailo, Chairman of the MNF Legal Board, said the complaint was submitted after the party reviewed statements allegedly made by the Chief Minister during the campaign programme. According to the MNF Legal Board, the remarks were capable of creating divisions among different sections of society and were inconsistent with the spirit and provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.
Sailo alleged that the Chief Minister made promises linking the delivery of government benefits and development projects to electoral support for his party’s candidate. The complaint claims that Lalduhoma assured voters that a number of government initiatives and welfare measures would be extended only to those who backed the ruling party in the election.
Among the projects and schemes cited in the complaint were the proposed Silsury road construction project valued at ₹100.40 crore, border trade facilities, Chief Minister’s Special Packages, and other welfare assistance programmes. The MNF Legal Board argued that such statements could be interpreted as an attempt to influence voters by offering benefits contingent upon electoral support, which it contends is contrary to election guidelines.
Describing the matter as a “serious breach” of the Model Code of Conduct, Sailo said the party had submitted a written representation to the Chief Electoral Officer seeking appropriate action. He maintained that election campaigns should be conducted in a fair, transparent, and ethical manner without the use of government schemes or public resources as inducements for votes.
The MNF Legal Board further stated that adherence to the Model Code of Conduct is essential to ensuring free and fair elections and maintaining public confidence in the democratic process. It urged the Election Commission authorities to examine the complaint and take necessary steps in accordance with the law.
At the time of filing this report, there was no immediate response from Chief Minister Lalduhoma or the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) regarding the allegations. The Election Commission has also not issued any official statement on the complaint.
