The stage is all set for the counting of votes of the elections held on February 14 for the 40 seats of the Goa legislative assembly. Despite the exit polls, these elections could in all probability throw up the most unpredictable results in the history of the state. The fight could be probably very close in some constituencies and one cannot rule out an appeal for a recount by the candidate. It is for the very first time that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has allowed residents aged above 80 years, physically-challenged persons and Covid-19 positive patients to cast their votes by putting on a ballot paper and sending it to the election officer before the counting is held. More than 14,000 voters in the North district have reportedly opted for the postal ballot facility at their homes. In a close contest the postal ballots could swing the result in favour of any candidate. Hence it would not be desirable for the candidates to celebrate their victory after the counting of votes from EVMs is complete. There could still be a twist in the tale.
