PANJIM: A total of 405 nominations have been filed for the February 4 Legislative Assembly elections. One candidate has filed two sets of nomination papers in the same constituency but on two different party symbols.
On the last day of filing nominations, 211 nomination papers were filed, which included Congress Fatorda block leader Joseph Silva, who filed his nomination as Congress as well as Goa Vikas Party candidate.
Addressing media persons, Additional Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Narayan Navti said, “It is probably for the first time, that a candidate has filed nominations from the same constituency but on two different parties. The decision on his candidature will be taken by the Returning Officer on Thursday,” he said.
Among those who filed nominations are Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, all the ministers, Leader of the Opposition Pratapsingh Rane, former Chief Ministers Luizinho Faleiro, Digambar Kamat, Ravi Naik and Churchill Alemao.
The BJP and Congress will contest in 36 constituencies each, while AAP has candidates in all 40.
Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on Thursday, while withdrawals, if any, will take place on January 20 and 21.
The highest number of nominations has come from Cortalim constituency, which saw 15 nominations, followed by Vasco and St Andre with 14 each.
St Cruz and Canacona constituencies have 12 nominations each, followed by Sanquelim, Velim and Fatorda with 11 each, Pernem has 10, and Panjim, Mapusa, Siolim, Navelim and Benaulim, have nine nominations each.
There is not a single constituency, where there is likely to be a straight fight or a triangular battle. The least number of nominations have come from Margao and Calangute constituencies that are four each. Nuvem, Priol and Taleigao have received five nominations each.
Navti said that under Section 107 CrPC (preventive measures), 670 people were issued notices by the police, out of which 534 have obtained bail bonds.
Elections will be held on February 4 along with Punjab. Counting for Goa and four other states is scheduled on March 11.
