Mizoram church-backed watchdog tries to ensure free, fair polls with curbs on rallies and more

In Christian-majority Mizoram, a church-backed poll watchdog has been trying to ensure free and fair elections with a memorandum of understanding which political parties have to sign and abide by. The rules restrict rallies, loudspeakers, and door-to-door campaigns.

The Mizoram People’s Forum consists of seven churches and five civil society groups, including the Young Mizo Association, a powerful NGO that almost half the Mizo population is a part of. 

Newslaundry’s Tanishka Sodhi spoke to MPF’s General Secretary, Reverend Lalramliana Pachuau, to understand the norms and how they are enforced. The forum calls out any party that violates them.

Watch.

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