VASCO:
The dramatic sequence of events unfolded at the counting centre at Bhute-Bhat in Baina-Vasco, when both candidates, Deepa Naik and Salvador Fernandes, tied with 132 votes during the first round of counting.
However, family luck shined upon Naik as her son, who is on government duty, cast his vote through a postal ballot in her favour and enabled her to secure 133 votes, one more than Fernandes.
Celebrating her victory, Naik was garland by her supporters and well-wishers, but Fernandes did not accept defeat and sought a re-counting of the votes.
Accepting his request, Returning Officer Satish Prabhu asked the election officials to recount the votes and it was then noticed that one vote was found doubtful. Prabhu verified the vote and declared it as invalid. The recount then ended in a tie, with both Fernandes and Naik polling 132 votes.
Naik, who moments earlier was celebrating her victory, then sought another recount and this time too, the recount also ended in a tie.
Prabhu then decided that the fate of Naik and Fernandes would be decided through a lottery system.
“I will seal the envelopes and place them on the table which will be kept in the centre of the counting hall. Anyone of you should pick up the envelop and the name mentioned in the envelop will be declared the winner,” said Prabhu.
After sealing the envelopes and placing them on the table, Prabhu sought to know who would volunteer to pick the envelop. Fernandes raised his hand and Naik agreed to his offer.
Prabhu then announced for the second time and stated that if there was any difference of opinion, it would be decided by toss as to who would pick up the envelop.
For the second time, Fernandes volunteered to pick an envelop and Naik agreed to his offer. But moments later, she changed her decision and sought a toss of coin to decide the person to pick up the envelop.
Prabhu declined to accept her suggestion and stated that he had made an announcement twice and on both occasions, Naik had agreed to allow Fernandes pick up the envelop.
Without any wasting time, Fernandes rushed to the table and picked up one of two envelops. When it was opened, Fernandes was delighted to find his name on the paper and he was eventually the final winner.
Deepa Naik accepted defeat, shook hands with Fernandes and left the counting hall. Prabhu later declared the name of winning candidate.
ON THE EDGE OF THE SEAT
n Deepa Naik and Salvador Fernandes are tied with 132 votes during the first round of counting
n Son casts his vote through postal ballot in Deepa’s favour and enables her to secure 133 votes
n Deepa celebrating her victory, but Fernandes seeks a re-counting of the votes
n Recount takes place and one vote is declared invalid. It’s a tie again with 132 votes each
n Deepa now seeks another recount and this time too, the recount also ends in a tie
n Finally, after a series of drama, Fernandes emerges victorious through a lottery system
