PANAJI
Returning Officers across Goa on Wednesday cleared 320 of the 327 nominations filed for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections scheduled on December 20.
The scrutiny process found seven nominations invalid.
Of the valid nominations, 158 are from North Goa and 162 from South Goa, setting the stage for a keenly contested poll across the state’s 50 constituencies. The exercise marks the completion of a crucial step in the election process, with candidates now given time to reconsider their participation.
Officials confirmed that withdrawals will be permitted until Thursday, December 11. The final list of contesting candidates will be published immediately after the deadline, providing voters with a clear picture of the electoral battle ahead.
The Zilla Panchayat elections are expected to witness intense competition, with major political parties fielding candidates across constituencies and independents also joining the fray in many places.
The polls are seen as a test of grassroots strength and a precursor to larger political battles in the State, especially the 2027 assembly elections.
