Aizwal, December 11: The counting of votes for Mizoram Assembly Elections 2018 is underway. As per early trends, the Mizo National Party (MNF) is leading in 27 seats and is all set to form the government in the state after 10 years. MNF president Zoramthanga is likely to be the next chief minister of Mizoram. Meanwhile, Zoram People’s Movement is also denting Congress’ vote share. Incumbent CM Lal Thanhawla lost from Serchhip constituency while he is trailing from Champhai South.

However, exit polls had predicted fractured mandate in Mizoram with the MNF gaining most number of seats. In these elections, Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) is likely to dent Congress’ vote share. The ZPM is expected to get 8-12 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also trying to make inroads in the north-eastern state with 87 percent of the Christian population.

In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF remained victorious on five seats. The Mizoram People’s Conference had bagged only one seat. In terms of vote share, the grand old party received 44.6 percent vote share in 2013. On the other hand, the MNF got only 28.7 percent votes. The elections in the north-eastern states were held on November 28 in a single phase. The Election Commission will declare the result by today in the evening.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 11, 2018 01:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).