Mizoram Churches Unite In Prayer, Seeking Divine Intervention To Alter Vote Counting Date

Updated on: 26 November 2023 9:09 am

Voting for Mizoram polls

In a unique turn of events, churches in Mizoram have joined forces to seek divine intervention regarding the scheduled date for counting votes in the state assembly polls held on November 7. The Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), representing 15 major churches, called for prayers during church services over the weekend to implore divine assistance in changing the counting date, particularly because it coincides with Sunday—a sacred day for the majority of Christians in the state, as reported by PTI.

While some churches conducted prayers on Saturday night, others observed the solemn occasion on Sunday. The MKHC, expressing disappointment over the lack of progress in rescheduling the vote counting, urged church members to intensify their prayers. The Mizoram Presbyterian Church, the largest denomination in the state, also independently urged its members to pray for a shift in the counting date.

Adding to the narrative, the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) has a five-member delegation currently in Delhi. They are set to meet the Chief Election Commissioner and other officials on Tuesday to reinforce their plea for a change in the counting date. The committee's general secretary, Malsawmliana, mentioned that their efforts gained momentum as they secured an appointment with the Election Commission after visiting their office on Friday.

The Election Commission had initially set December 3 as the counting day for five states, including Mizoram. However, opposition from political parties, civil society organizations, churches, and a church-sponsored poll watchdog in Mizoram prompted numerous pleas to reschedule the date. The primary concern revolves around December 3 falling on a Sunday, a day of religious significance for Christians in this predominantly Christian state. Despite the ongoing efforts, the fate of the counting date remains uncertain as stakeholders await the outcome of the scheduled meeting between the NGOCC delegation and the Election Commission officials.