Vasco: Against the backdrop of the tough fight expected in Cortalim, the number of people who turn up to vote is what the two groups are hopeful of.

Unlike regular elections, this election that has been overshadowed by the COVID pandemic and an interrupted campaign, may see a dip in the turnout, a factor that will have a bearing on the result.

The usual fanfare when it comes to elections is missing though in Mormugao taluka.

In Cortalim constituency, there are three candidates contesting for this seat, with two from national parties and one independent.

From Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), there’s Pobres Vaz, from Congress there’s Lopinho Xavier and the Independent candidate Antonio Vas, is the former ZP member who is recontesting.

Antonio Vas is a seasoned politician and has contested the Assembly election in the past. According to his supporters, Vaz, who has been elected as a ZP member has fulfilled the promises he had made in his manifesto.

Pobres Vas, the AAP candidate promises to take up various issues related to the people. He has also assured to work for the betterment of the people.

Lopinho Xavier, the chairperson of the Biodiversity committee of Quelossim village, who has been part of the fight against a mega project, has assured to give employment to the locals. Lopinho has also extended his support to the people’s movement against coal and to oppose destructive projects. He also said he will work for the betterment of the people and for the right of the people.

There are village panchayats such as Cortalim, Cansaulim, Velsao, Bogmalo and Quelossim which come under Cortalim constituency.

In the neighbouring Sancoale constituency, a few months ago, Anita Thorat emerged victorious unopposed as its ZP member.