No.424/2020-2021

Aizawl, the 7th December 2020 : Deputy Chief Minister Pu Tawnluia who holds the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation portfolio announced at a Press Briefing that Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) Municipal Commissioner Pu K. Laldingliana has been designated as Administrator for Aizawl Municipal Corporation with effect from 10 December till such time general elections to the Aizawl Municipality can be conducted.

In the briefing, Pu Tawnluia pointed out that elections to the Local Councils and Village Councils in the state had to be postponed due to the pandemic and the terms of these bodies were extended twice. He also mentioned that on 27th August when these elections were held, some localities in Aizawl the elections were deferred and elections were held only in September due to the pandemic COVID-19 situation. He further said that in the matter of municipal elections, the State Election Commission opined that under the present circumstances, holding of elections to AMC is not recommended in the interest of public health.

The Deputy Chief Minister pointed that under section 13(6) of The Mizoram Municipalities Act, 2017, the provision for designation of Administrator exists in case elections to the Municipality cannot be held before the expiry of its term. In the light of the fact that the term of the Corporation ends on 10th December and elections cannot be held given the situation of the pandemic within Aizawl Municipal Area, he said that the government had no other option but to designate the current Municipal Commissioner as the Administrator for Aizawl Municipal Corporation till elections can be held and announced the designation at the press briefing.