PANAJI
The weather gods looked kindly upon Goa on Sunday as the State Election Commission complimented the people of Goa and its staff for having pulled off a largely peaceful election even as reports of skirmishes between groups emerged from several parts of the State.
Polling was brisk with over 40 per cent being recorded by 12 noon and the final figure touching 80.33 per cent, similar to that recorded in the recent State Assembly elections.
North Goa recorded a turnout of 83.16 while South Goa recorded 77.68 per cent.
Bicholim taluka led the way with a voter turnout of 90.60 per cent while at the other end of the spectrum lay Salcete with a voter turnout of 69.84 per cent.
Most talukas recorded polling percentages in excess of 80 per cent with Pernem at 88.59 per cent, Sattari at 89.65 per cent, Canacona at 83.33 per cent, Dharbandora with 88.57 per cent, Ponda with 82.89 per cent, Quepem with 84.50 per cent and Sanguem with 86.37 per cent.
The Urban talukas of Bardez, Tiswadi, and Mormugao recorded voting percentages of 79.62 per cent, 77.60 per cent, and 71.58 per cent respectively.
The State Election Commissioner R K Srivastava said no reports or complaints of violation of the poll code of conduct had been received. However, it is understood that subsequently complaints were forwarded to his office.
“If we receive a complaint that there has been a violation, action will be taken as per the law. Rest assured that we will take strict action,” Srivastava said.
The counting of votes will be held on June 13 from 8 am and there will be around 13 counting centres hosting 21 counting halls.
