Election process begins in Goa with notification issued today

Panaji, May 8 (UNI) The election process was set in motion today for the June 2 polls to the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly with Governor S C Jamir issuing a notification.

Briefing mediapersons here, Chief Electoral Officer of Goa Ramesh Negi said eleborate arrangements have been made for ''peaceful, free and fair polls'' for which more than 18 companies of central para-military forces would be deployed.

Dhargal is the only reserved constituency.

Efforts are being made to ensure at least 85 per cent coverage of the electorate with Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) by this month and setting up of 11 EPIC centres in the state.

''EPIC is compulsory for voting as of now and the authorities review the situation on this aspect on May 18,'' Negi said.

The Election Commission had appointed 16 poll observers and as many returning officers besides 9 expenditure observers, all from other states. They take charge with effect from May 13, he said.

As many as 1066 polling stations would be set up for 9,95,976 eligible voters, who include 4,97,669 men and 4,97,524 women.

Ponda constituency in North Goa has the largest 36,691 electorate whereas the capital city of Panaji, the lowest at 14,353.

Electronic voting machines would be deployed in all the constituencies for the elections.

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