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75% polling in Mizoram

By Barun Das Gupta

AIZAWL NOV. 20. Seventy five per cent of the 5.28 lakh voters in Mizoram today exercised their franchise in the elections to the 40-member Assembly.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer, Lalmalsawma, the voting percentage was lower than the previous (1998) election's 75.04 per cent.

The election passed off peacefully, barring some incidents of violence in the Suangpuilawn constituency, where no voter turned up at one booth (Phulen). Repoll was ordered in another booth (Suangpuilawn), where voters damaged the electronic voting machine and tore up the poll material in protest against the kidnap of three candidates.

Aizawl town wore a festive look as Mizo women in their bright traditional costumes turned out in large numbers.

In one constituency in the outskirts of Aizawl, a 90-year-old man created an embarrassing situation for the presiding officer when he not only wanted to be told how to use the EVM but also to whom he should vote.

As all the polling agents watched and laughed, the nonagenarian cast his vote. For whom, only he and the presiding officer know.

Candidates `rescued'

The State Home Minister, Tlanghminghthanga, today confirmed the "abduction" and subsequent "rescue" of three candidates of the Congress, MNF and MPC contesting from the Suangpuilawn seat.

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