MARGAO
The three-phase polling to elect the managing committee of South Goa Comunidade bodies got underway on Sunday, but the exercise evoked a lukewarm response, with elections for nearly 50 per cent of the 31 Comunidades could not take place for want of quorum.
This implies that the government will constitute the managing committees by handpicking people of its choice when the new bodies assume office for the triennium 2022-25.
Information dished out by the Administrator of Comunidades (South) John Fernandes stated that elections for as many as 16 bodies across South Goa did not take place for want of quorum.
Elections took place for 14 Comunidade bodies, with actual polling taking place for the bodies of Canacona, Sancoale and Mormugao, while the managing committees of the remaining ones were elected unopposed.
Elections to elect the Managing Committee of Raia Comunidade could not take place due to commotion over the question of membership.
The 16 Comunidade bodies where elections could not take place for want of quorum include Chandor, Guirdolim, Dabolim, Xelvon, Chic Xelvon, Kurdi, Neturlim, Ambelim, Betalbatim, Duncolim, Sirlim, Telaulim, Pale, Xeldem and Astagrar.
To a question, the Comunidade Administrator, South Goa, informed that his office is holding the elections for the 90 Comunidade bodies in three phases, beginning from December 5. The remaining two phases will be held on December 12 and 26.
Sources in the know informed it is being ensured that the entire process is completed before the election code of conduct comes into force.
