The Dampa (ST) Assembly constituency in Mamit district, Mizoram, is heading for a crucial by-election in November 2025. The election was necessitated by the unfortunate demise of the sitting MLA, Lalrintluanga Sailo of the Mizo National Front (MNF), who had won the seat in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India has scheduled polling for November 11, 2025, and vote counting on November 14, 2025. This by-poll is drawing attention as it is seen as a key indicator of political trends in Mizoram, especially between the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the opposition MNF.

The MNF, which ruled Mizoram from 2018 to 2023, is determined to retain its foothold in Dampa to maintain its strength in the State Assembly. The party has nominated Dr. R. Lalthangliana, a senior vice-president and former minister, as its candidate. He is known for his administrative experience and long political career within the MNF. Party leaders have expressed that winning this seat is crucial to preserve their role as a major opposition voice and to showcase continued public trust in the party’s leadership.

On the other hand, the ruling ZPM has fielded Vanlalsailova, a well-known singer and preacher, as its candidate. The Indian National Congress (INC) has nominated John Rotluangliana, a former Transport Minister, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is represented by Lalhmingthanga. The People’s Conference (PC) has also joined the fray with K. Zahmingthanga as its candidate. The multi-cornered contest makes this by-poll one of the most competitive elections in recent years in Mizoram.

According to the draft electoral roll, the Dampa constituency has about 20,405 registered voters, with 10,425 male and 9,980 female voters spread across 41 polling stations. The Election Commission has deployed electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), all of which have undergone first-level checks to ensure smooth and transparent polling. Security arrangements are also being tightened to maintain peace during the voting period.

The campaign period has been marked by several issues and controversies. The MNF recently filed a complaint alleging that some parties had violated the Model Code of Conduct by announcing new projects and distributing items to voters. These allegations highlight the intense competition and the importance both sides attach to this single seat. Campaigning has also focused on local development issues, forest rights, and rural connectivity in the Mamit district.

For the MNF, the by-poll is not merely about winning one seat—it’s about political survival and morale. A victory would reaffirm the party’s relevance as Mizoram’s primary opposition and boost confidence among its supporters ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. A defeat, however, could weaken its position further in the Assembly and diminish its influence on state politics.

Ultimately, the Dampa by-election stands as a symbolic and strategic contest in Mizoram’s political landscape. It represents a battle between continuity and change — with the MNF fighting to defend its legacy and the ZPM aiming to expand its dominance. The result of this election will not only determine who