Mizoram Polls 2023: Can women candidates create history this time?

Mizoram has had only 4 women MLAs since the formation of the state and only one went on to become a minister

As Mizoram goes to polls on November 7, focus is on the 15 women candidates in fray. The reason for this is the lesser representation of women in politics. In fact there is not a single women legislator in Mizoram at the moment.

Mizoram has had only 4 women MLAs since the formation of the state and only one went on to become a minister. So do women candidates stand a chance this time, can they create history?

First female Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, S Phangnon Konyak said that for the first time since the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) began in 1992, the proportion of women exceeded men: there were 1,020 women for 1,000 men.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Konyak said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believed in women’s empowerment, who make up at least half of the population, which is why schemes are also targetted towards women. The central government has launched many schemes to help women. As a result, women candidates are rising to the top of policymaking and decision-making. Therefore, women candidates contesting the assembly elections this time will definitely see positive outcomes.

It may be mentioned that there were 16 women candidates in fray, but the BJP replaced its female candidate in one of the contituencies bringing the number down to 15.

The BJP has fielded 3 female candidates while the Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) have fielded 2 women candidates each. It may be mentioned that the MZP is opposing the candidature of women married to non-Mizos in the polls.

The results for the 40 seat Assembly will be declared on December 3.

Also Read: Mizoram Polls 2023: Cong manifesto promises corruption-free state, health insurance up to Rs 15 lakh, LPG cylinders at Rs 750 and more

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