Keeping in sight the surging number of COVID-19 cases in the state and the government’s involvement in several ventures to tackle the pandemic, on Monday, the Goa State Election Commission pushed its municipal elections by three months. The office term of the 11 municipal councils in Goa, will come to an end on the 4th of November. The elections were slated to be held on the 18th of October.
12,333 confirmed Cases in Goa; 116 fatalities
The state election body will review this critical situation after three months and then come to a decision regarding the levels of safety involved to conduct the elections later this year. As of now, Goa has over 12,000 confirmed coronavirus cases with fatalities standing at 116. Earlier this year in March, the state was also forced to cancel the Zila Panchayat polls, after the central government had announced the Janta Curfew across the country, in an attempt to arrest the spread of this deadly virus.
Commenting on situation, the State Election Commissioner added, “Everyday, new coronavirus cases are being reported; the government is managing the cases, but over the last month or so we have not seen any respite. We thought that it is just not advisable to go ahead with the elections, for now.” He further mentioned that the citizens of the state should not have to risk their lives, in order to participate in a democratic process. There might also be online polls in the near future just like Gujrat had hosted but nothing can be said for sure.
A message to all our readers
Amid such difficult times, we request all our readers to practise the medical directives issued by the health professionals and to follow the essential rules of social distancing for the greater good. Remember to wash and sanitise your hands frequently. Contact your nearest medical professional at the slightest sign of any of the symptoms.
