The Times of India 19.08.2010
Polls to civic bodies likely on Oct 31
PANAJI: It is almost certain that the municipal elections in Goa will be held on October 31, 2010, but no electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used for the polls. Eleven towns — Pernem, Bicholim, Sanguem, Curchorem-Cacora, Margao, Canacona, Mormugao, Cuncolim, Mapusa, Quepem and Valpoi — will elect new councils.
Goa state election commission secretary S Y Parab on Wednesday confirmed that the government has proposed October 31 as the poll date. The notification for the elections to the 11 civic bodies will be issued next month bringing into force the code of conduct.
This will be the first election with reservations for scheduled tribes (STs) and other backward classes (OBC) in municipal polls. Sources said the government intended to hold the polls on October 24 but there being a one day international (ODI) cricket match scheduled for the day, the authorities decided to hold the civic elections on October 31.
It is also certain that EVMs will not be used for the polls this time though GSEC had proposed it. Sources said that on GSEC’s request the government amended the Goa Municipalities Act providing for the use of EVMs but the rules are yet to be amended.
A reminder was sent to the government by the election commissioner seeking changes in the municipal rules but there was no response, sources said. This, despite the GSEC writing to Election Commission of India (ECI) for EVMs and a batch of 400 EVMs being procured. The government has tentatively decided to reserve 19.5%, 12% and 2% seats for candidates from OBCs, STs and SC communities respectively.
Urban development minister Joaquim Alemao has said that ‘A’ class municipalities will have four seats reserved for OBCs and two for STs, and that in ‘B’ class municipalities, the reservation will be two seats for OBCs and one for ST. The state government has sanctioned around Rs 60 lakh for conducting the polls.
