Mizoram is headed for the polls on December 2, 2008.  There are 40 seats in the state assembly.  The Mizo National Front (MNF), which had historically led the national struggle in Mizoram and signed the peace accord with the Government of India in 1986, has been in power for the past ten years. 

In the 2003 elections MNF won 21 out of 40 seats in the state assembly, with 31.7% of votes.  It was part of the BJP led National Democratic Alliance at that time, but withdrew from it in 2007.  MNF abstained in the vote of confidence on 22 July 2008.

Mizoram is essentially an agrarian state, and the biggest producer of bamboo in India.  All political parties have to address the farmers’ issues in one way or another. 

In the traditional system, land belonged to the community, which was led by the Chief.  Nobody, the Chief included, claimed private ownership of the land.  Every village has its sacred grove, where no tree was allowed to be cut, except those that showed signs of age and decay.  The major threat to the groves arose from the state laying its claim over all the forests, including the groves, under the British regime and the post-colonial Indian regime. 

Zoram Kuthnathawktute Pawl (Farmers’ Union of Mizoram) and another organisation of people called Mipui Tangrual Pawl, have both declared that politicians and the party system are at the root of all evil. With a view to enticing the farmers, the Congress Party has come up with its agenda of “New Land Use Policy” which carries a gift package of Rs. 1 lakh for each farming household.

Young Mizo Association and other youth bodies have demanded that all political parties should field younger candidates in keeping with the spirit of the times.

Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl, the apex women’s organisation of Mizoram, has demanded that all political parties should set up as many women candidates as possible and they have vowed to support those women candidates.