With no party securing a clear majority in the 12th Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC), the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the Mizo National Front (MNF) have decided to form a joint legislature party to ensure stability in the council. The alliance has been named the Lairam Legislature Party (LLP).
As part of the power-sharing arrangement, ZPM leader T. Zakunga has been nominated as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the LADC, while the post of Deputy CEM will go to a member from the MNF.
The ZPM won six seats in the LADC elections. Its elected members are T. Zakunga, L.R. Dingliana Chinzah, Lallura Chinzah, T. Lalchhuanvawra, Dr. K. Lalchhuanpuia and K. Lalramzauva.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Zakunga, who will also lead both the ZPM Legislature Party and the newly formed LLP in the council, said the party accepted the mandate with humility. He said the ZPM government in Mizoram was a blessing and added that the LADC election result, though limited in numbers, was accepted as the will of God.
Zakunga said the ZPM Political Affairs Committee had initially explored the possibility of forming a government with the Congress after the election results. However, after consultations, the party leadership felt that an alliance with the MNF would provide greater stability and smoother functioning of the council.
Referring to the prolonged political uncertainty in the LADC, Zakunga said the lack of a stable government had affected development and administration. He expressed confidence that the ZPM–MNF alliance would help restore effective governance in the council.
Leaders of the alliance are scheduled to meet the Governor later on Monday to formally stake claim to form the new government in the Lai Autonomous District Council.