The Mizo National Front (MNF) retained the Dampa assembly seat in Mamit district on Friday, with party candidate R Lalthangliana defeating Vanlalsailova of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) by 562 votes, according to figures released by the Election Commission.
Lalthangliana secured 6,981 votes, accounting for 40.23 per cent of the total votes cast, while Vanlalsailova received 6,419 votes, representing 36.61 per cent. Congress candidate John Rotluangalian finished third with 2,394 votes, followed by BJP nominee Lalhmingthanga with 1,541 votes. People’s Conference Party candidate K Zahmingthanga ended with 50 votes.
A former cabinet minister, Lalthangliana had handled key portfolios including health and commerce and industries in the previous MNF government led by Zoramthanga.
The bypoll, conducted on November 11, recorded a voter turnout of 83.07 per cent, with 20,888 electors exercising their franchise. The seat fell vacant following the death of sitting MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.
In the 2023 assembly elections, Sailo had defeated Vanlalsailova by a narrower margin of 292 votes.
