Election held after 2-month delay
Paul Pereira was elected as the new Sarpanch of the Navelim village Panchayat on Monday.
MARGAO
After a delay of two months, Navelim village finally has a new Sarpanch. On Monday, Paul Pereira was elected unopposed to the post, which had been lying vacant since June 2.
The election was delayed after the Director of Panchayats postponed it at the last minute last month without giving a clear reason.
In Monday’s election, Paul was the only candidate. The Presiding Officer received just one nomination—Paul’s. Six Panchayat members who supported him were present at the meeting, while the other five were absent.
The election was held following the resignation of former Sarpanch Michael Cardozo on June 2. His resignation was part of an internal agreement to hand over charge to Paul.
After taking charge, Paul said he would work with all members of the Panchayat and involve key committees such as the Village Development Committee, the Biodiversity Committee, and the Garbage Committee in the village’s development.
“Five members did not attend today’s election, but I will take all 11 members into confidence. There will be no discrimination. We will all work together for the betterment of Navelim,” he said.
Paul also clarified that his six-member panel is not linked to any political party. He said the Panchayat would seek the support of the government and Zilla Panchayat member Cipru Cardozo for developmental works.
On the earlier postponement of the election, Paul said it was reportedly delayed due to a complaint that two members were Portuguese citizens. However, he added that the Deputy Collector had dismissed the complaint.
