Mizoram Assembly Elections 2023: CM Zoramthanga casts vote in second try after EVM malfunctions

Mizoram Chief Minister and Mizo National Front Chief Zoramthanga cast his vote as the northeastern state went to polls on Tuesday.As per reports, Zoramthanga could not cast his vote earlier in the morning due to a technical glitch in the machine."The CM had, in the morning, gone to Ramhlun Venglai Primary School polling station, but the EVM was not working at that time. So, he went back home and came again at 9:40 am to exercise his franchise," Mizoram Additional Chief Electoral Officer H. Lianzela said.Till 9 am, the state of Mizoram recorded more than 17 per cent voter turnout. Lianzela said polling has been "peaceful and there has been no law and order issue till now".Over 8.57 lakh voters, including 4.39 lakh women, are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the electoral fate of 174 candidates.The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), main opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and Congress have fielded candidates in all the seats. The BJP is contesting in 23 constituencies, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has nominated candidates in four assembly segments.Apart from this, there are 27 independent candidates.Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters in Mizoram and  Chattisgarh to exercise their right to franchise."I call upon the people of Mizoram to vote in record numbers. I particularly urge the young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise and strengthen the festival of democracy,"  Modi said.With inputs from PTI