MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Team Herald
The elections for the 01-North Goa and 02-South Goa Parliamentary constituencies in Goa were plagued by numerous issues, causing severe inconvenience to voters across the state.
According to reports, the primary concerns were faulty Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the denial of entry for polling agents at various stations. These problems have significantly slowed the voting process and discouraged many citizens from exercising their democratic rights.
In the Panaji constituency, for instance, EVMs were not functioning properly at polling stations 30 and 27 in Thivim and Hicholim, respectively. Similarly, in Hicholim's booth 14, the presiding officer refused to allow the party's polling agents inside the premises, despite submitting the necessary forms.
The issues were not limited to the Panaji constituency. Voters in Curtorim, Curchorem, Sanguem, Benaulim, and Margao also faced problems with malfunctioning EVMs and the exclusion of polling agents from the booths.
In Cortalim, polling agents were sent outside the booths, while in Navelim and Benaulim, EVMs were not working, causing further disruptions.
"The issues we have faced today are deeply concerning and undermine the integrity of the electoral process," said Vice President GPCC Sunil Khautankar, a concerned citizen. "It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure a smooth and fair election, but unfortunately, that has not been the case in many parts of Goa."
