Average age of Mizoram poll candidates around 52

The oldest candidate contesting the election to the 40-member Mizoram assembly to be held on November 25 was the present Revenue Minister J. H. Rothuama (74) from Champhai North seat while the youngest candidate was Pazawna (27) of the BJP contesting from Mizoram-Tripura border Hachhek seat.

According to the affidavits filed by the contesting candidates, the average age of the candidates of the three major parties -- the Congress, Mizoram Democratic Alliance and Zoram Nationalist Party was around 52.

The average age of the 40 Congress candidates was 54 with Chalrosanga (39) contesting from Lunglei West against the Mizo National Front senior leader and former minister Dr R. Lalthangliana, being the youngest ruling party nominee.

The average age of opposition MDA, an alliance of the MNF, Mizoram People's Conference and Maraland Democratic Front, contesting 40 seats was 52 with two former ministers Tawnluia and R Tlanghmingthanga the oldest candidates at 70 years of age and the youngest candidate T. C. Kaphmingthanga at 34 years.

ZNP, contesting 38 seats, has an average age of 50 with the eldest candidate being 72 and the youngest being 35 years of age.

Political analysts said that the candidates in the Mizoram elections were younger as the popular mood was to have young and more dynamic leaders to rule the state.

Image: 74-year-old Revenue Minister J H Rothuama is the oldest candidate in the Mizoram election