Joseph L. R. Vaz
Hats off to Election Commission of India for conducting once again ‘Free and Fair’ and peaceful elections in Goa. They succeeded in coaxing more than 80% of voters to come and stand in queues, to press the button on the Electronic voting machine. By using various pampering techniques like calling the voters Kings and Queens, King makers, etc., with an illusion that the future of Goa lies in their hands, calling “voting” a secret duty and also using local idols (sportsmen and singers) as ambassadors , for reminding the voters of their fundamental voting rights.
As usual there was videography, choreography (of the Rapid Action Force), advertisements, songs, videos, along with Election Code of Conduct (without a single conviction though), for which Government of Goa has to shell out Rs 50 crores (of the tax payers money). The Election Commission made all Government Departments come to a standstill and paralysed much before election day, by sending the staff for training of election rituals.
Portraying liquors as the greatest (and only) evil for fair elections, liquor and its trade was banned for several days. Many weddings and other functions of Goans, especially of the Catholics, which were planned one year in advance, suffered with less music and dancing and no hard drinks, all this for the sake of free and fair elections, as if political parties don’t bribe with other things, or don’t stock up liquor in their homes/hidden joints.
Enrolling migrants in the election rolls is a common feature of all earlier and present elections, in all its fairness and looks like it will continue in the future too.
This year the icing on the cake for conducting free and fair elections got a boost by allowing military personnel to vote in large numbers, which is commendable. Very soon, in the month of May we are going to have the Panchayat elections. If the same election rolls (with military names) are used, than certainly one Panch will be a military personnel, who could also become a Sarpanch of Aquem-Baixo Village and it will apply to all other villages where military camps are located.
Goans should not be surprised that in the next elections even tourists would be able to vote, if Tourism Minister could give a general declaration stating that these tourists are not registered anywhere in India and prefer to help Goans in voting in Goa.
This also gives a golden opportunity to another north Indian party, well known as Topiwallas. Since the last one year, a lot of volunteers from all over India were down in Goa in Topis canvassing for this party. At the next election, all they have to do is bring 1,05,000 volunteers, just 1&1/2 month before the elections (and that is not a difficult task as no Indian will ever refuse a free holiday in Goa) and enroll them 5,000 each (winning margin is never above this) in 21 constituencies. And there you have at least 21 MLAs from your party, enough to form the Government.
