MARGAO
Goa Forward Party Chief Vijai Sardesai has threatened to move the High Court seeking directions to the government to ensure timely notification of reservations if the reservation process for the upcoming Civic polls is not completed and announced within a reasonable and transparent timeframe.
The party dashed off a letter to the Director of Municipal Administration underscoring the need for the State Government and the Directorate to act with utmost transparency on the issue of reservation of Municipal wards ahead of the Civic polls due in March-April 2026.
In the letter, the Goa Forward president supported the decision of the Directorate of Municipal Administration not to undertake ward delimitation ahead of the forthcoming Municipal Elections, saying the decision is in consonance with the State Government's notification freezing the boundaries of administrative units in view of the forthcoming census exercise.
He, however, said it is equally imperative that the State Government and the Directorate act with utmost transparency on the issue of reservation of wards. “Reservation is not a peripheral matter; it goes to the very heart of free and fair elections and directly impacts the ability of potential candidates to prepare, organise, and contest on an equal footing. It is therefore essential that the reservation of wards be finalised and notified well in advance of the civic polls. Any delay, ambiguity, or last minute notification would seriously prejudice candidates, distort the electoral process, and create an uneven playing field. Such an approach would be contrary to the principles of natural justice and the constitutional mandate of fairness in democratic elections”, he said.
“This is not a matter of political expediency, but one of institutional integrity and public interest. The credibility of the municipal elections depends not only on adherence to statutory timelines but also on the perception of fairness and openness in decision-making. I trust that the Directorate will act decisively and responsibly to ensure that the reservation process is completed without delay, thereby avoiding unnecessary litigation and safeguarding the democratic process”, he added.
