NT Reporter
Panaji
The zilla panchayat (ZP) elections in the state posted a record 70.81 per cent voter turnout on Saturday. North Goa saw 72.66 per cent, while South Goa registered 68.93 per cent polling.
This is the highest turnout ever in the history of both zilla panchayats since their formation in 2000.
The voting to 50 constituencies – 25 each in North Goa and South Goa – was peaceful, and no untoward incident was reported.
Interestingly, women voters came out in large numbers to vote as compared to men.
Compared to the last ZP polls, the elections this time recorded 12 per cent increase in voter turnout – the ZP polls on December 12, 2020 – during the pandemic – had posted 58.86 per cent polling.
In North Goa, Latambarcem ZP segment recorded the highest voter turnout with 88.29 per cent, while the lowest polling was seen in Taleigao
at 59.44 per cent.
In South Goa, Usgao-Ganjem ZP constituency registered the highest voter turnout with 82.24 per cent, while the lowest polling was recorded in Navelim with 55.29 per cent.
The fate of 226 candidates – 111 in North Goa and 116 in South Goa – have been sealed in ballot boxes.
The votes polled will be counted on
December 22, 2025.
A total of 8,69,356 electors were eligible to cast vote in the polls. As per the data shared by the State Election Commission, 6,15,581 voters exercised their franchise in the 50 constituencies, of which 2,95,720 were male, 3,19,859 were female and two were third
gender voters.
It is pertinent to note that the district-level panchayat elections have been fought on party lines in Goa since 2015. However, that year only the ruling BJP had nominated its candidates, while the Opposition had put up their candidates as Independents
under protest.
In 2020, almost all political parties had fielded their candidates on
party lines. This time, almost all the constituencies witnessed heavy electioneering as the ZP polls have been looked upon as the semifinal before the 2027 legislative assembly polls.
Ruling BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, campaigned for party nominees highlighting the work done by his government.
On the other hand, Opposition parties focused on the alleged failure of the BJP government on several fronts including the prevailing law and order situation.
However, there was hardly any discussion on issues pertaining to villages during the campaign.
In the last ZP elections held on December 12, 2020, the total voter turnout was 58.86 per cent – North Goa saw 58.46 per cent and while South Goa recorded 55.05 per cent polling. There were 200 candidates in 48 segments as one BJP candidate had been elected unopposed from Sancoale while the election in Navelim seat had been postponed following the death of a candidate.
In 2015, voter turnout for the ZP elections was nearly 65 per cent, while in 2010 it was nearly 54 per cent.
