Tripura Cong chief lauds unique poll campaign style in Mizoram, says party will return to power

The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Asish Kumar Saha on Monday lauded Mizoram’s unique election campaign style and exuded confidence that the party will return to power in the State by riding on the non-performance of the MNF government.

The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Asish Kumar Saha on Monday lauded Mizoram's unique election campaign style and exuded confidence that the party will return to power in the State by riding on the non-performance of the MNF government.

Campaigning for the November 7 Mizoram assembly elections ended at 4pm on Sunday with no reports of any law and order problems throughout the month-long period, officials said.

"I had been in Mizoram and campaigned for party candidates in Mamit district and witnessed the unique practice of electioneering," Mr. Saha told PTI.

Mizoram's unique campaigning style ensures a balanced campaign by parties, officials said, adding that even if a party has money and resources, it can’t hold a rally without the permission of the Mizoram People’s Forum (MPF), a church-backed body.

This system started from the 2008 assembly polls after the MPF signed an agreement with all the political parties for a "code of conduct" before every elections, they added.

According to officials, MPF organises community meetings for all the candidates of one particular constituency where supporters and voters of the area sit and hear the candidates.

Every candidate is given a total of 20 minutes to make his or her speech. Unlike other political campaigns, sloganeering is unheard of, they added.