MARGAO/PANAJI
Pink” and “green” polling booths have all been set up for Monday’s polling in the 21 Assembly constituencies of South Goa even as polling officials have fanned out across the district on Monday.
South Goa district Electoral Officer, Ruchika Katyal, IAS, and a host of Election Commission-appointed observers monitored the distribution of the poll material including the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMS) to the polling officials at the Manohar Parrikar indoor stadium, Navelim, on Sunday.
As the polling coincides with Valentine’s Day on Monday, ‘pink’ polling stations have taken shape in many areas, including the constituencies of Pondao, Shiroda and Sanguem.
Officials informed that a number of “green” polling stations, decorated with locally-grown fruits such as bananas, coconuts, besides plants, have also been set up in the constituencies of Priol, Mormugao and Ponda.
The CEO office is making an all-out attempt to hold elections in an eco-friendly manner by using maximum natural materials like bamboo bins and baskets made of coconut shells that will be placed at the election booths.
To drive home the nature connection, some of the polling booths will be made of bamboo. There will be selfie booths made up of coconut palms for voters to click selfies.
Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said that with the maximum use of natural products, this election sends an eco-friendly message. “Goa has a deep-rooted connection with nature so the EC thought of an eco-friendly election process,” he said.
There are 1,722 polling stations in Goa and all of them will be decorated with natural products.
Meanwhile, in Salcete the distribution of the polling material for the eight constituencies was done from the Indoor Stadium, Navellim. Returning officers of the respective constituencies distributed the material to the officials from the taluka headquarters.
Elaborate transport arrangements have been made for the movement of the officials to polling stations across the district. Arrangements were put in place for the postal ballot at the distribution centres.
