Aizawl, Jan 5(Reporter) The Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) is gearing up to conduct elections for village councils (VCs) and local councils (LCs) following the final publication of electoral rolls next Wednesday, officials announced on Sunday. In preparation for the polls, the SEC recently held a virtual meeting with Deputy Commissioners from Mizoram’s nine districts to assess the state’s readiness for grassroots elections. According to officials, the state government has shortened the current term of VCs and LCs by six months, setting February 19 as the termination date for the present councils. “Elections must be held before this deadline,” an SEC official stated. Village council elections will be conducted in nine districts, excluding the three autonomous district councils in Siaha and Lawngtlai districts. Meanwhile, local council elections will take place in the areas under the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC). The SEC last held VC and LC elections on August 27, 2020, although 27 LCs and eight VCs were excluded at the time due to COVID-19 restrictions. These pending elections were completed later. The decision to curtail the term of VCs and LCs has sparked criticism, particularly from sitting members of local self-governments and opposition parties. The All Mizoram Village Council Association (AMVCA) has even approached the Gauhati High Court, challenging the state government’s decision. Despite the backlash, the state government remains committed to holding the elections in February, citing the need for a timely transition in grassroots governance...////...