The Election Commission of India (ECI) has changed the date of counting of votes and declaration of results for the state of Mizoram from 3rd December 2023 to 4th December 2023. The announcement was made on Friday, just two days before the counting.

It has said that the date has been revised on the ground that 3rd December is a Sunday, a day that holds “special significance for the people of Mizoram”. ECI also stated in its press release that it received several representations from various quarters requesting for change in date of counting.

Meanwhile, Congress has question ECI over the late announcement when the requests had been made over a month ago. “Why the delay in taking such a simple and obvious step?” asked Jairam Ramesh, Congress’ General Secretary.

The Commission has however not changed the counting day for Nagaland’s 43-Tapi Assembly Constituency in Mon district where bye election was conducted on 7th November 2023.

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Konyak Union, the apex organization of the Konyak Tribe, had earlier appealed to ECI to “respect the sentiments and religious practices” of the Christian population in Mon district and revise the date which falls on the “Day of Worship”.

Counting of votes will be held for the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and 43-Tapi AC in Nagaland on 3rd December 2023 and on 4th December for Mizoram.