India, Nov. 14 -- Mizoram's main opposition party, the Mizo National Front (MNF), retained the Dampa assembly seat in the bypolls held earlier on Friday, with former minister R Lalthangliana securing 40% of the 14,593 votes polled.

The MNF vice president defeated the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) candidate, Vanlalsailova, by a margin of 562 votes.

"My victory is not for me, but for the people of Dampa constituency. I give all the credit to God Almighty, who has prepared a way for me. God did everything for me, and I am just an instrument," Lalthangliana said after winning the election.

The by-election was necessitated by the demise of the sitting MLA, Lalrintluanga Sailo, on July 21 this year. Polling for the Dampa Assembly seat...