Aizawl, Nov 10 (IANS): Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Friday said that the Mizo National Front (MNF) would return to power for the second consecutive term and run the government in a more efficient manner and with renewed vigor.

Zoramthanga, who is also the President of the MNF, while addressing the party workers in Aizawl, said that the party would retain power with the help of God and people's support.

The former rebel leader turned politician said: "Mizoram had to face various challenges and problems in the past five years with Covid-19 pandemic, earthquakes, border disputes with Assam and refugees from neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh besides Manipur are some of the major challenges.

"Our government with the help of God has dealt with all the problems and challenges without much help from the Central government," the 79-year-old militant leader turned politician said.

Around 13,000 Zo-Kuki-Chin tribals took shelter in Mizoram after being displaced from the ethnic violence hit neighbouring Manipur, while around 35,000 Myanmar and 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals also took shelter in the northeastern states following troubles in the neighbouring countries.

The Chief Minister, who earlier claimed that the MNF would secure at least 25 seats in the 40-member house, lauded the party leaders and workers for their efforts to strengthen the party.

The ruling MNF won 28 seats in the 2018 Assembly polls.

Mizoram went to polls on November 7 to elect 40 members of the Mizoram Assembly with around 80.62 per cent of 8.57 lakh voters exercising their franchise.

In all, 174 candidates, including 16 women contested the elections