Team Herald
MARGAO: The political fate of over 131 candidates of South Goa was sealed by the lakhs of electors with historic as well as surprising voter turnout. South Goa recorded 78% voting. Voting was lowest in Vasco at 70.96% and highest in Priol at 89%. An error in the initial operation of a VVPAT machine in Aquem was detected and has been kept for re-polling now.
The 2017 elections to the Goa Assembly has been historic in many ways including the voting percentage and also the new methodologies adopted to make election more people friendly. However, there have been grey areas in this process but have been handled well by the administration.
The polling began at a really slow rate in the morning. General complaint of the polling process speed being slow was heard from all over the polling stations. Proper facility of assistance to differently-abled and senior citizens seemed to be lacking. People especially senior citizens complained of too much time being taken for the voting, some blamed the new VVPAT voting machine which has increased the process by another step.
Several people were sent back from polling booth after voting machine stopped. The observer of Margao constituency said that an inquiry will be initiated by the Election Commission. The DEO meanwhile has already submitted his report.
The effectiveness of the Pink Poll booths was proved to be useful with a increase in the overall turnout of voters. No major problem was reported at any of the booths of South Goa.
