The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced that the counting of votes in Mizoram for the state assembly elections would now take place on December 4 (Monday) instead of December 3 (Sunday).?

Mizoram along with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana went to polls last month. While the other four states would have their results out on Sunday, the counting of votes in Mizoram would now take place a day later.

The ECI's announcement comes after civil society organisations in Mizoram sought the change of date as Sunday?is a sacred day for the state's majority Christian population.?

In a press release, the ECI said, "The Commission has received several representations from various quarters requesting for change in date of counting from 3rd December, 2023 (Sunday) to some other week day, on the ground that 3rd December, 2023 being Sunday a special significance for the people of Mizoram. The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to revise the date of counting for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram from 3rd December, 2023 (Sunday) to 4th December, 2023 (Monday)."

Earlier in the day, the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) staged protests across the state for the change of date, reported PTI. The organisation is the umbrella body of major civil society organisations and student bodies in the state.?

NGOCC Chairman Lalhmachhuana earlier in the day blamed the ECI for being silent on the issue despite repeated appeals by political parties, churches, and NGOs to reschedule the date of counting, reported PTI.

Voting in Mizoram was held on November 7 and the state witnessed 80.43 per cent voter turnout. The five assembly election results are expected to set the tone for the 2024 general elections, which are expected to be held in April-May 2024.?