PANJIM: Goa is set for the panchayat elections on Sunday, when over 7.49 lakh voters will exercise their franchise to elect their representatives in 1450 wards across 186 village panchayats. Counting is scheduled on June 13, but for only 176 panchayats. The Election Day has been declared a public holiday.
“All preparations are done. As many as 6500 polling personnel are deployed at various polling booths. Two police personnel to man each booth,” officer on special duty for election Dr Durgaprasad told media persons.
He said that polling will be held between 8 am to 5 pm through ballot papers. Around 1400-1700 ballot boxes will be in place. Elections will be held in 1217 booths.
Electors may produce EPIC photo identity card, photo identity card, PAN card, driving licence to establish their identity at the polling booths.
Initially1522 wards were to go to the polls, but panchas in 55 wards were elected unopposed. The elections of another 15 wards from ten panchayats have been postponed to July 1 after they were caught in litigation over the reservation and delimitation process.
As such, the State Election Commission (SEC) has decided to postpone the counting of ten panchayats to July 2. The ten panchayats include Curca-Bambolim, Merces, Anjuna-Caisua, Penha de Franca, Betki-Khandola, Advapal, Betalbatim, Nuvem and Sancoale.
The elections, which are being held within three months of a new BJP-led coalition government taking over, are being considered as a litmus test for all the parties. While BJP and its alliance partners will try to retain their hold at grassroots, Congress will make an effort to get the people’s mandate once again. Having an upper hand in the local governing body is important to hold on to support in the respective constituencies. Around eight MLAs have fielded either their wives or family members as candidates.
As per the information available, over 70 polling booths have been identified as sensitive, hypersensitive and critical areas. In North Goa total 43 polling booths are identified as red zones that include 31 in Bardez taluka itself. In Tiswadi, there are ten booths while in Sattari taluka two booths are identified as critical areas.
In South Goa, 27 polling booths have been identified as sensitive. All the nine wards of Loliem village panchayat have been declared as critical. The sensitive booths will be under higher surveillance as special patrolling will be undertaken.
Dry days have commenced in 186 panchayats. Government has also notified that no liquor will be transported from one place to another within the State during those days. Also all the establishments like hotels, restaurants, bars, tea shops, etc within the vicinity of 100-200 mtrs of polling station in the concerned panchayats are asked to remain closed from 6.00 am to 9.00 pm on the polling day. Counting will take place at 13 places in respective talukas on June 13.
