Counting of votes underway in Mizoram

 Counting of votes in the 40-seat Mizoram Assembly polls commenced on Tuesday, an official said.

Chief Electoral Officer Ashish Kundra said counting began in 40 halls in 13 centres across the mountainous state. The election was held on November 28.

"After counting the postal ballots first, counting of votes of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) will take place in all the Assembly constituencies," he told the media.

CCTVs and videography will record the entire counting process.

In all 81.64 per cent of the 7,74,758 electorate exercised their franchise. There were 209 candidates, 15 of whom are women.

The ruling Congress, led by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, is aiming for a third consecutive victory despite a stiff challenge from the main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Zoramthanga, a former Chief Minister.

Both the Congress and MNF fielded candidates in all 40 constituencies.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded 39 candidates -- its highest ever.

Many regional parties, including Meghalaya's ruling National People's Party (NPP), have fielded candidates for most of the 40 seats.-IANS