PANJIM: After a campaign that was within the parameters of the Model Code of Conduct, the election process reached the crucial silent period of 48 hours on Thursday which will culminate with polling on Saturday across six municipalities, the Panjim City Corporation and by-elections for Navelim Zilla Panchayat, one ward of Sanquelim municipal council and 19 wards of various village panchayats.
The month-long campaign ended at 5pm on Thursday. With the end of the campaign, Section 144 of the CrPC has come into force in the poll-bound areas. Shops and establishments located within 200 metres of polling stations have been directed to remain closed from 7am on March 20.
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The sale of liquor has been banned from 5pm Thursday to 9pm March 20 and from 8am of March 22 till the end of the counting process in the jurisdiction of the election areas.
The election campaign was a low-key affair. Though, polls are not being fought on party lines, Ministers and MLAs from the ruling and opposition were seen campaigning for panels and candidates backed by them. In various places, the opposition joined hands against BJP-backed panels.
