PANJIM: The by-elections for Shiroda and Mandrem Assembly constituencies are most likely to be held by second week of February, with model code of conduct coming into force by mid-January.
Chief Electoral Office (CEO) Goa has begun preparedness for the by-polls, which they want to conclude before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, due in April-May.
Election Commissioner of India (ECI) Ashok Lavasa had last week visited Goa to oversee general preparedness for the parliamentary polls. He also reviewed preparations for by-elections in the two Assembly constituencies.
Former Congress MLAs Subhash Shirodkar (Shiroda) and Dayanand Sopte (Mandrem) had resigned as members of State Legislative Assembly on October 16. They had later joined BJP and are set to contest on saffron party ticket.
A senior official attached to CEO said that as per rule, constituencies have to elect their representative within six months from the date of resignation of the existing MLA.
“As per ECI directions, the by-polls will mostly take place in the second week of February,” official said.
“ECI doesn’t want by-polls and Lok Sabha elections to clash. The LS polls are due in April-May; but may happen before that,” the official said.
The official said that the election code will come into force 30-days in advance that is by mid-January. “Code will be applicable for the two constituencies but Government cannot make any announcements or launch that can lure the voters,” official added.
