381 contestants across six municipal polls, 120 in CCP

PANJIM:  Three hundred and eighty one nominations have been filed across six municipalities till Thursday—the last day for filing nominations—that are set to go for polls on March 20 along with Panaji City Corporation (CCP) that received 120 nominations. 

The State Election Commission (SEC) also received 74 nominations for by-elections to 22 different wards of village panchayats, seven nominations were filed for Navelim zilla panchayat constituency and ward 9 of Sanquelim municipality saw four nominations. The by-elections are also slated on March 20. 

Total 381 nominations have been received for six municipalities—Bicholim, Cuncolim, Curchorem, Canacona, Pernem and Valpoi. Total 172 nominations received in North Goa constituency that includes- Pernem (49), Valpoi (40) and Bicholim (83). 

The South Goa district recorded 209 nominations—Cuncolim (6), Curchorem-Cacora (64) and Canacona (59). 

On the last day of nomination filing, total 92 nominations were received. The nomination process had begun from February 25. 

The elections in these municipalities along with five others—Margao, Mormugao, Sanguem, Quepem and Mapusa—were due in October 2020; however, in the wake of the rising COVID-19 cases, the elections were postponed twice. 

The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), which is also going for polls received 120 nominations across all its 30 wards. What is interesting in the City election is that BJP is facing fierce competition from within as well as from the opposition. 

BJP MLA Atanasio Monserrate-backed panel is facing strong opposition from some of the sitting councilors—the hardcore BJP workers, along with opposition group called ‘We Ponjikars’ backed by former mayor Surendra Furtado and other like-minded citizens. 

The BJP leaders including former MLA Sidharth Kuncolienkar and Dattaprasad Naik, have extended support to some independent candidates, claiming that the elections are not fought on party lines. 

The scrutiny of the nominations will take place on Friday, while the withdrawals, if any will be allowed on Saturday. 

Meanwhile, the SEC has notified the Mathany Saldanha administrative block as counting center for Navelim ZP, while for 22 wards of various VP, it would be at the respective taluka Mamlatadar offices.

 The counting of polls will take place on March 22.