MAPUSA
A total of seven candidates “ three each in Salvador-do-Mundo and Reis Magos and one in Socorro “ were already declared elected unopposed.
The State Election Commission has postponed the election to four wards “ Ward 1 in Anjuna-Caisua and Bastora and Wards 8 and 9 in Penha da Franca “ on the directions of the High Court.
The elections to these four wards will now be held on July 1.
The Sunday’s election will also be a testing time for long time Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, who has been facing stiff challenge from the panel fielded by local MLA, Michael Lobo.
The Calagute MLA who is looking to consolidate his position in the constituency has fielded his panels in Calangute and Candolim village panchayats and actively canvassed in the village in the last 11 days.
The Goa Forward Party leaders, Housing Minister, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Water Resources Minister, Vinoda Paliencar are also testing their popularity in Saligao and Siolim constituencies
respectively.
Revenue Minister and Independent MLA from Porvorim Rohan Khaunte has also campaigned for his supporters and is expected to hold sway in the constituency.
While BJP MLA Glenn Ticlo has personally campaigned in many wards in Aldona constituency, Congress MLA, Nilkant Halarnkar chose to monitor the campaign from
closed doors.
“I have only campaigned a little in Colvale panchayat since it’s my village. In have preferred to stay away from openly canvassing in other panchayats,” Halarnkar said.
Many local leaders holding sway over the affairs of the panchayats for several terms are making renewed effort to get re-elected.
