PANAJI
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Goa on Monday received a total of 60 nominations in a single day for 40 State Assembly seats with BJP candidates filing 21 nominations, AAP 11, independents 8, Congress 5, MGP 5, Goa Forward 3, GSM 2 and one each of CPI and UGP candidates.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza were among the many BJP candidates who filed their papers for the constituencies of Mandrem and Mapusa respectively. Others included Rajendra Arlekar, Carlos Almeida, Avertano Furtado, Nilesh Cabral, Mahadev Naik, Sudin Dhavalikar, Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Rajan Naik, Michael Lobo and Kiran Kandolkar. Goa Forward candidate Vijai Sardesai also filed his nomination for Fatorda.
CEO Goa, Kunal making the announcement on Monday said the observers appointed by Election Commission had already come to the State, with a few having left. In all, there were 20 all female observers in the State with more to come in the next few days.
Kunal also cleared the air on the issue of candidates having to file no demand certificates. Upon writing to the Election Commission, the CEO received a reply that a "No-Dues Certificate" was required only for candidates that have lived in government accommodations for the last 10 years.
“Regarding the filing of additional affidavit by candidates related to no demand certificate obtaining from utility services companies, we had sought clarification from the commission. They said that 'No-Dues Certificate' was required only for candidates who have been in government accommodation for the last 10 years. Only those that have occupied government accommodation are required to submit No-Dues Certificates from departments including water, power and telephone,” he said.
He also issued a clarification from the Election Commission that had been raised by the Chief Minister and ministers on whether they were able to continue hearing appeals even with the MCC in force. “Any such hearing may disturb level playing field, therefore must be deferred. If required to be heard, should be held by secretary level officer nominated by the Secretary of the State where law provides for delegation,” clarified Kunal.
He also said there were plans of issuing colour-coded voter slips this year with details mentioning the voters polling station. The slips, he said were in the process of being designed and would be distributed one week before the elections.
