Lalsawmzuala sworn in as CEM of Lai council after 2-month delay

Aizawl: Mizo National Front (MNF) member of district council (MDC) C Lalsawmzuala, leader of the United Legislature Party (ULP) formed by the MNF and Congress, was sworn in as chief executive member (CEM) of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) on Tuesday. The oath was administered by Lawngtlai deputy commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga at a function held in the LADC Hall, Lawngtlai.The swearing-in marks the long-awaited formation of an executive committee in the LADC, delayed for nearly two months since the council election on Dec 3, 2025.Lalsawmzuala will face a vote of confidence on Thursday to prove his majority. He claims the backing of 14 MDCs under the ULP alliance. He also named Sanghuliana Mualchin as deputy CEM and appointed Lalzahawma Chinzah, HC Lalengkima, and H Vanlaltanpuia as executive members (EMs), with more appointments to follow.Meanwhile, the election for LADC chairman is scheduled for Wednesday, with Congress leader and former CEM C Lalmuanthanga and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) member T Lalchhuanvawra filing nominations.Earlier, the Central Lai Young Association (CYLA), the largest civil society body in Lawngtlai district, called off its proposed indefinite bandh after the state govt issued a notification on Sunday for the formation of the executive committee.CYLA had accused the govt and governor of deliberately delaying the process despite the MNF-Congress coalition holding a majority.The Dec 3 election produced a fragmented mandate: MNF won 8 seats, Congress 7, ZPM 6, BJP 2, and independents 2. Following consultations, MNF and Congress forged the ULP alliance, securing 15 of the 25 seats, and staked claim to form the executive committee on Jan 9.