Move based on electoral rolls despite govt’s plan to shift to census data
MARGAO
The State Election Commission’s decision to fix the number of municipal wards in Margao at 24—one less than the existing 25—has taken citizens and local representatives by surprise.
The move comes despite an earlier resolution by the Pramod Sawant Cabinet to increase the number of Margao Municipal wards to 27 ahead of the upcoming civic polls, tentatively scheduled for May.
The poll body’s decision has left incumbent councillors in a quandary, with many now trying to determine which ward will be eliminated in the new arrangement.
Sources in the State Election Commission said Assistant Electoral Officers have already begun the delimitation process across municipal areas, including Margao. “Teams are in place and will adjust ward boundaries based on voter population,” sources said, adding that one ward will effectively be merged or redrawn, bringing the total down to 24.
Officials further stated that a draft delimitation plan will be placed before the public, inviting objections and suggestions before any final decision is taken.
Meanwhile, Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat had recently reiterated the government’s intention to increase Margao’s wards to 27 for the forthcoming municipal elections.
“It is only after the draft wards are placed before the public for suggestions and objections that a final decision will be taken on the delimitation,” sources added.
Kamat had recently told the media that the Cabinet had decided to increase the number of Margao Municipal wards to 27 for the upcoming municipal election.
Reduction linked to fall in voter numbers
According to State Election Commission sources, the reduction in wards in both Margao and Mormugao municipalities is primarily due to a decline in the number of registered voters following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In Margao, this drop has resulted in the ward count being reduced to 24. Similarly, in the Mormugao Municipal Council, the number of wards has been brought down from 25 to 21.
Officials noted that the updated electoral rolls prepared after the SIR process are now being used as the basis for delimitation.
No ordinance yet on population-based delimitation
Although PWD Minister Kamat had earlier announced government plans to promulgate an Ordinance mandating ward delimitation based on population census data rather than voter lists, State Election Commission sources confirmed that no such ordinance has been issued so far.
“In the absence of any ordinance, the delimitation process is proceeding based on the existing electoral rolls,” sources said, adding, “The State Election Commission cannot wait in anticipation of an Ordinance when the municipal elections are due in May.”
When asked about the Commission’s stance on whether such an ordinance is introduced during the ongoing process, officials said an appropriate decision would be taken at the relevant time.
Elections for all Municipal bodies together
Sources in the State Election Commission indicated that elections to all municipal bodies are likely to be held simultaneously in May. According to officials, the Commission is planning a coordinated election schedule for all civic bodies across the State.
In the interim, administrators will be appointed to manage municipal affairs once the current five-year terms expire.
“The Commission has drawn up plans to conduct elections to all civic bodies together. Accordingly, administrators will be appointed to the municipalities after the completion of their existing term,” sources said.
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Vijai flags ‘opaque’ process
in Margao ward delimitation
THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Following the State Election Commission’s decision to fix the number of wards in Margao at 24, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai has called for complete transparency in the delimitation and election process.
Sardesai said the Commission’s move to base ward delimitation on the latest electoral rolls comes amid statements by PWD Minister Digambar Kamat about the government’s plan to introduce an ordinance mandating the use of population census data for the exercise.
“The entire process is being carried out in an opaque manner. This is evident from the fact that the State Election Commission has relied on the latest electoral rolls for delimitation. Just three days ago, we heard the PWD Minister say that the process would be based on the population census,” Sardesai said.
He further questioned the implications of a possible policy shift midway through the exercise. “If the government brings in an ordinance making population census the basis for delimitation, what will be the fate of the process already initiated by the Commission using voter lists?” he asked.
Expressing concern over the intent behind the ongoing exercise, Sardesai said there appears to be “something amiss” in the way the process is being conducted. He also cautioned against the possibility of the delimitation exercise being used as a pretext to delay municipal elections and place civic bodies under administrative control.
