OLD GOA
The issue of a low turnout of members continues to haunt the elections to the managing committee of the tenants association as Morombi O Grande tenants association election too was adjourned due to lack of quorum.
At the election meeting held in the Merces panchayat hall on Monday, only 12 voters and 1 proxy voter remained present out of a total 389 voters.
Tiswadi mamlatdar representative and Merces talathi Rajesh Navelkar, who officiated the election meeting, explained to the farmers that for the election to be held, there needs to be a 50% turnout of voters.
“Since there are only 12 voters and 1 proxy voter, the election is adjourned to February 12,” Navelkar explained and urged those present to inform their fellow members to remain present on February 12 to participate in the election.
“It is important for members to remain present for the election so that they choose committee members of their choice who will work for the betterment of the farmers. Neither the mamlatdar nor the talathi has any vested interest in keeping the election a secret,” Navelkar said while responding to an allegation from a farmer that there was an attempt to secretly hold the election.
Meanwhile, a few farmers who remained present for the election but whose names were not enrolled in the voters roll demanded that the election should be postponed by at least a month.
They also questioned the authority of the talathi to set the next date for the adjourned election without consulting the mamlatdar.
However, talathi Navelkar informed the farmers that as a representative of the mamlatdar he has the right to do so and advised the aggrieved farmers to approach the mamlatdar to redress their grievances.
The Old Goa police personnel also urged the farmers to put forth their grievances to the mamlatdar.
Before leaving, the farmers issued a warning that they will not allow the election to go ahead at the adjourned date on February 12.
