Report and pics from Rajtilak Naik in Panaji
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
Panaji, Jun 2: In spite of the rain hitting the Goa state since early morning on Saturday, long queues of voters were observed outside every polling booth in Goa during the 40 seats in Goa during the assembly election 2007.
People in queues holding umbrellas outside the polling booths
People waiting for their turn outside a polling booth at Santa Cruz
As many as 202 candidates across the state are doing their best to attract the voters from their respective constituencies to the polling booths in spite of the heavy rain that has been hitting Goa since morning. The otherwise 'susegaad' Goenkar was looking much active and fresh while standing in the queue to cast their valuable votes.
As per the reports around 40% voting was complete at 2.00pm. At 12.00pm it was 26%. Polling is now gradually picking up due to dry spell.
Vigilant central para military force Jawans guarding polling booths
Polling tables gone wet as a result of heavy rains
Earlier agency report
Polling to elect the 40-member Goa legislative assembly began here Saturday amidst tight security.
An estimated 10.10 lac voters would decide the fate of 202 candidates, including chief minister Pratapsinh Rane, in this politically volatile state.
The election process
Besides six former chief ministers, leader of the opposition Manohar Parrikar (Panaji) and speaker Fransisco Sardinha (Curtorim) are also in the fray.
The polling will be held in 1000-odd polling stations across the state with central para-military forces and state police keeping a close watch on polling stations.
Secret ballot through the electronic voting machine
The voters
Congress-NCP combine is contesting 38 seats, BJP 33, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) 26, Communist Party of India four, Goa Suraj Party one, Janata Dal (S) 12, Republican Party of India (A) four, United Goans Democratic Party 11, Shiv Sena seven and former Congress MP Churchill Alemao led Save Goa Front 17 seats.
The single phase election will be over by 5 pm. Counting will take place on June 5, 2007.
A woman is seen showing her EPIC card outside a polling booth
A sepentine queue of voters outside a polling booth
Three constituencies- Panaji, Velim and Poinguinim are witnessing straight contest, while triangular fight is on cards in Poriem, Valpoi, Shiroda, Loutolim, Benaulim, Curtorim and Navelim constituencies.
The Election Commission has banned the use of mobiles within 100 metres of polling station.
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