PANAJI
As Goa still debates the Portuguese citizenship issue that led to the revocation of passports of quite a few Goans who obtained Portuguese nationality, those Goans who have also registered as electors in Portugal will get a chance to vote in the Portuguese general elections.
A notice on the Embassy of Portugal website has announced that eligible voters can exercise their franchise on February 27, 28 and 29 in early voting for Portuguese nationals overseas. Portugal goes to the polls on March 10, following the sudden resignation of its Prime Minister Antonio Costa in November 2023 amid a corruption probe against him.
"This is a general election of the Portuguese Parliament 'Assembleia de Republica.' Several Goans who are registered as citizens will have the option to cast their vote starting tomorrow for three days in the office of the Consulate General of Portugal in Panaji or the Embassy of Portugal, Delhi," an official said.
The option of postal ballots is also available for overseas voters and sources said some have already received the ballot papers.
The State has been debating over dual nationality particularly as several found their passports revoked upon surrendering them. The government has also raised the matter with the Centre.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira also met the ministry to convey the issue within Goa, considering that all those whose passports are revoked will not be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and visa.
