Team Herald
MARGAO: The inability to meet quorum requirements has stalled elections for new managing committees in 16 Comunidade bodies across South Goa. The elections, which aim to select committees for the 2025-28 term, have faced repeated setbacks since the process began on December 8.
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Most recently, elections for five Comunidade bodies—Deussua, Orlim, Seraulim, Utorda, and Cansaulim—could not proceed last Sunday due to insufficient turnout, bringing the total number of stalled elections to 16. The repeated failures to meet quorum highlight a persistent issue in the governance of Comunidades.
Of the 90 Comunidade bodies in South Goa, elections have been successfully conducted for around 60 so far. The remaining 30 bodies are scheduled to vote in the next three rounds, which will take place on January 5, 12, and 19, according to the timetable set by the Administrator of Comunidades.
The ongoing election process will officially conclude on January 19, after which the South Goa Comunidade Administrator will compile a report detailing the outcomes and submit it to the government. Based on the report, the government will determine the next steps for constituting committees in the Comunidades where elections could not take place.
The quorum issue has been a recurring challenge in the electoral process. Despite four rounds of voting, a significant number of Comunidade bodies have been unable to fulfill their electoral obligations. This has led to concerns about the representation and functionality of these historic institutions, which play a crucial role in local governance and community decision-making.
