Goa will become the first state to opt for electronic transmission of postal ballots in the Assembly poll and postal ballot voters have time till two hours before counting on March 11 to electronically submit their votes. Candidates have been anxious over this voter, around 18,000, who are yet to cast their vote. In South Goa, several candidates have already started the number crunching exercise and have approached the Collector seeking details of postal ballot voters in their constituencies. Such queries may sound significant for the candidates as the hotly contested 2017 assembly poll is heading for a close finish in several places.
The extended time given for the postal ballot could be a subject of debate, but crucial information on the voters going for postal ballot could lead to influencing and intimidation of government servants by candidates. Candidates will work overtime to assure themselves of this vote, which can be cast in the open and within the confines of residences and offices. In a rare appearance, military men came in hordes on election day in Navelim and Ponda constituencies, taking everyone by surprise. Now, it’s the turn of the postal ballot voter who could further swing the political fortunes in several parts of Goa.
