Team Herald
MARGAO: The fate of 863 candidates contesting in 33 panchayats of Salcete taluka will be decided on August 12, as the poll authority is all set to begin the counting process at two different venues.
For the first time, the authorities have arranged for two separate counting centres one at Manohar Parrikar Stadium, Navelim, and the other at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex, Margao (South Goa District Collectorate).
“The proceedings will commence at around 7.30 am and the results of at least 22 panchayats are expected by afternoon,” said Pravind Gawas, Returning Officer-3.
According to RO Laxmikant Desai, the ballots cast for 22 panchayats falling under the jurisdiction of Returning Officer one and two will be counted at the South Goa District Collectorate complex, wherein the remaining votes of 11 panchayats will be counted at the Manohar Parrikar Stadium at Navelim.
Votes of Ambelim, Assolna, Sarzora, Rachol, Guirdolim, Paroda, Sao Jose de Areal, Velim, Curtorim, Chandor and Macazana will be counted at Navelim and so, the South Goa District Collectorate complex is expected to witness less rush. In the past, during counting of votes, hundreds of supporters thronged the Counting Centre and the police had a tough time maintaining law and order. The massive rush also led to traffic congestion.
“We have put in place all the arrangements at the counting centre at Navelim with the target set to finish counting by afternoon. A maximum of six rounds will be taken to count all the votes of 11 panchayats,” said Gawas.
Round one of counting will include the panchayats of Seraulim, Raia, and Camurlim, followed by the counting of votes of Benaulim and Nagao panchayats in round two. Round three will include Loutolim and Colva panchayats, while the votes of Nuvem and Verna will be counted in round four. The results of the Majorda panchayat will be declared in round five.
The fate of new aspirants and prominent local political leaders, who have served their panchayats for the last many years, will be known on Friday. All the candidates are keeping their fingers crossed hoping for good luck.
At the same time, villagers from many panchayat areas are of the opinion that the silent voting will result in a shock to many candidates, who are supported by the political heavyweights of the Salcete taluka.
