We should feel proud that several Goans are taking part in shaping politics in the United Kingdom by contesting the local elections on May 7. Let us wish all the best to our Goan brothers and sisters who are candidates. In England, about 5,000 seats across 136 local councils will be decided. There are also six mayoral elections, five of them in London. Elections are being held for the Welsh and Scottish parliaments too. People aged 16 and above can vote in England, while in Wales and Scotland those aged 14 and above can vote.
Polling day in the United Kingdom is not a public holiday and there are no dry days. Voting takes place from 7 am to 10 pm, so people can vote before or after work. Polling stations are well organised, and voting is done in person using ballot papers. People can also vote by post after registering in advance. Counting starts as soon as polling ends, at the same place, and results are usually declared by the next day. This avoids the need to transport and store ballot boxes. May the best candidates be elected to serve the community with dedication and commitment.
