Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Nov 29: The Goa State Election Commission (SEC) announced that the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) elections will be held on December 20, with counting scheduled for December 22. Around 8.7 lakh voters are expected to participate across 50 constituencies in North and South Goa.
Key Details:
• Nomination: Candidates can submit papers from Dec 1 to 9, with scrutiny on Dec 10.
• Voting: Conducted via ballot papers.
• Polling Stations: 1,284 total (658 in North Goa, 626 in South Goa).
• Expenditure Limit: Rs 5 lakh per candidate.
• Electoral Roll: Based on Assembly rolls updated on Jan 1, 2025.
• Voters: Total 8,68,637 – 4,20,431 men and 4,48,201 women. North Goa: 2,13,529 men, 2,25,948 women; South Goa: 2,06,902 men, 2,22,252 women. Women form a slight majority.
Reserved Seats:
• North Goa: 9 for women, 7 OBC, 1 SC, 1 ST
• South Goa: 10 for women, 6 OBC, 5 ST
The announcement brings the Model Code of Conduct into effect in all ZP areas.
Political Context:
The Zilla Panchayat elections are seen as a barometer for public sentiment ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. In the 2022 Goa Assembly election, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 20 seats in the 40-member House, forming the government with support from the MGP and three Independents, while Congress won 11 seats.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant continues to lead the state government following the 2022 Assembly results.
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