CM states elections fall under SEC jurisdiction
An extract from the Official Gazette dated October 16, 2025.
MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the State government has not taken any decision to freeze the delimitation process for the upcoming municipal council and corporation elections in Goa.
Responding to concerns raised by Goa Forward Party (GFP) legislator Vijai Sardesai at the Zero Hour, the Chief Minister clarified that civic elections fall under the jurisdiction of the State Election Commission (SEC) and are conducted independently of the government.
“As per my information, there is no decision to freeze delimitation. The elections will be held on time, keeping in mind students’ examinations and festivals. The elections will be free and fair,” Sawant told the House.
Sardesai had flagged what he described as widespread anxiety across the State over the impending municipal elections, particularly over the delay in finalising ward reservations.
He cautioned that last-minute announcements of reservations could create uncertainty and disadvantage women and candidates from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The GFP leader said such delays would undermine the principle of free and fair elections and go against Supreme Court rulings that mandate timely notification of reservations to ensure adequate preparation by prospective candidates.
Urging immediate action, Sardesai called upon the State Election Commission to finalise and publicly notify ward reservations for all municipal councils as well as the City Corporation of Panaji at the earliest.
He also claimed that the SEC was unaware of any Cabinet decision to freeze the delimitation exercise.
“I will approach the High Court if there is any delay in announcing the reservations,” Sardesai warned, asserting that transparency and certainty were essential for a democratic electoral process.
The issue assumes significance as Goa prepares for civic body elections, with political parties and aspirants seeking clarity on ward boundaries and reservations well in advance of the poll schedule.
