The stage is set for a crucial second phase of the municipal elections amid palpable Covid fear in the mind of voters. Margao, Mapusa, Mormugao, Quepem and Sanguem go to the polls in a horrific Covid situation with deaths piling and infections showing an exponential rise.
Once again, the blame shifts on the government for having imposed a split election. If not for the flawed reservation, the people in these five municipalities wouldn’t have to face this day and step out in such fear. The entire electoral process would have been long done and dusted. Given the prevailing ground situation, the onus is now on the government machinery to rise above all politics and ensure the safety of citizens first. These are unprecedented times, and the second wave has swept Goa off its feet. Covid-related deaths have shot up through the roof and the rate of infection is mounting. To make matters worse, the healthcare infrastructure is crumbling and people are struggling to get beds and oxygen.
This election comes at a time when the call is to keep indoors. A passionate appeal by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, who otherwise was steadfast in his slogan of "bivpachi garaz na", sums up the looming threat and the need for restraint. It is against this fear that voters in these five civic bodies will have to make a conscious decision.
For the political class, it has been business as usual. Political heavyweights have muscled through the civic landscape with agendas and manifestos. There are panels and party alignments and then there are independents and lesser-known faces all jostling for space. Teams and groups have fanned out covering the length and breadth of their jurisdiction reaching out to people, overlooking the Covid scare and bearing the scorching summer heat. The eve of elections saw a flurry of activity with poll staff and officers gearing up for the finale, but social distancing amiss. There is a bleak hope on enforcement despite its consistent failures in this Covid fight because the scope of operation is limited.
It’s now over to the voter and his or her space needs to be respected. It’s not only the five municipalities, but the entire State will stand testimony to these people who come out and give their mandate despite the fear in the background and despite being fully aware that a slipup could have drastic consequences. The onus will be on the State Election Commission and the machinery at its disposal to ensure that the lives of people are safeguarded. It is their responsibility to build a conducive and safe environment for these people, young and old, who step out to exercise their franchisee. The true spirit of this election will face its litmus test.
To all the political firepower that was on display and the party overtones that were seen across Margao, Mapusa and Mormugao, do not make innocent people scapegoats in a bid to realise political ambitions. While the math will revolve around high and low voter turnout, think of the lives of people first, not your selfish political goals.
