PANJIM: The month-long model code of conduct for the
elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) came into force from
Monday midnight and will be applicable within the CCP jurisdiction. The
election for 30 wards is scheduled on March 6 and counting will take place on
March 8. The code of conduct will be in force till March 8 midnight.
A total of 31,504 people are eligible to exercise their
franchise in the elections. Last week Goa State Election Commission (SEC) had
issued the notification announcing the election schedule. The process of filing
of nominations will commence from Tuesday. The last date for filing the nomination
papers in February 16.
St Cruz MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate has announced the
names of 29 candidates from 30 wards. While retaining a few councillors,
Monserrate has introduced several new faces, including some BJP workers.
Congress backed former Mayor Tony Rodrigues, is likely to field an independent
panel.
On the other hand, BJP is yet to announce its panel. The
party, hit by rebellion, is expected to announce the names of 18 candidates on
Tuesday. The party leadership is facing a tough time with several party
loyalists upset with local MLA Siddharath Kuncolienkar’s approach towards the
elections.
Voting will be through electronic voting machine (EVM), the
system which was introduced during the last election on a trial basis.
The expenditure limit per candidate has been increased to Rs
2.5 lakh, which is almost three times the amount compared to the 2011 election,
wherein the limit was fixed at 75,000 per candidate.
