Five Mizoram MLAs resign citing party registration and anti-defection law

Five members of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly (MLA) who were previously elected as independent candidates but received support from the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) Party have tendered their resignations. The move has raised questions about party affiliations and the Anti-Defection Law.

The five ZPM-supported MLAs who resigned today are VL Zaithanzama, Dr. Vanlalthlana, Lalchhuanthanga, C. Lalsawivunga, and Vanlalhlana. Their decision to step down comes as a result of several factors concerning their party affiliations and the legal framework surrounding their status.

The MLAs argue that during the 2018 MLA elections, the ZPM Party had not yet registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI). As a result, they ran as independent candidates and secured their positions in the Legislative Assembly.

Now, with the ZPM Party officially registered with the ECI, they face a dilemma. In order to contest elections under the ZPM banner, they are required to resign from their current positions as independent MLAs. This move aligns with the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law, which mandates that elected representatives must relinquish their seats if they wish to switch party affiliations.

It is worth noting that the ZPM Party has extended its support to a total of six elected MLAs, including these five who have resigned. Their leader, Lalduhoma, who was also elected as an independent candidate, successfully transitioned to the ZPM ticket after the party's official registration with the ECI.