Team Herald

CANACONA: In keeping with the threat to boycott the general election over deficiency in basic infrastructure needs, Marle-Tirval villagers boycotted voting. However, 15 votes registered at the booth were of the officials who were on election duty at the booth. It may be recalled that the villagers of Marle-Tirval numbering about 400 and having 221 eligible voters had issued a threat of boycotting the election on Tuesday.

The elders and leaders of this twin villages which is about 15 kms from the commercial town of Chaudi in Canacona had told in no uncertain terms that no voter would cast their vote, as they were disgusted with the political establishment over non-fulfilment of their demands for a motorable road, regular power and potable water supply amongst other basic needs.

Shaken with the unusual threat to boycott the election, officials together with political leaders had tried their level best to convince them that their demands will be looked into after the elections.

Elderly persons speaking to this correspondent said that they don’t trust the politicians any more who come once during the elections like mushrooms promising to solve their issues, but once elections are over they are not to be seen.

When this correspondent visited the polling booth located in a government primary school in Marlem at 11 am, the polling officials were waiting for the voters to come. When asked how many have cast their vote till now the officer in charge of the booth said he cannot divulge the information.

Sources said that when polling ended at 6 pm a total of 15 voters registered their franchise “all these votes are of officials on election duty at the booth and no villager cast his/her vote making it 100% successful boycott, a leader from the tribe said.