Polling percentage may cross 72, more than that of 2002 elections

Panaji, June 2 (UNI) More than 72 per cent of the 10.10 lakh voters exercised their franchise amidst high security and despite heavy downpour in ''exceptionaly peaceful and enthusiastic elections held for the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly today.

''The final percentage could even be 74, with the polling still continuing for about three hours beyond 1700 hrs to clear the long queues of voters, following let up of the rain since afternoon,'' chief electoral officer of Goa Ramesh Negi told mediapersons.

The 2002 elections had registered 68.79 per cent of polling and the 1999 elections 63.50 per cent.

The higher voter turnout debunked the apprehensions of some political parties that the monsoon may mar their prospects.

''The rain had no impact on Goa with higher turnout becoming a reality,'' Mr Negi said.

The final figures may come out only before midnight, as auhorities have to physically collect and collate the data before compiling it, he said.

Meanwhile, both the ruling Congress-NCP combine and the rival BJP claimed to form the government with a majority vote.

Women and youth, with great enthusiasm, turned out in large numbers at polling booths, in some cases before the polling began at 0800 hrs.

The counting of votes will take place on June 5, when the electoral fortunes of 202 candidates in the fray would be known.

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