Team Goemkarponn
FATORDA: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has urged the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) to finalise and notify ward reservations well in advance of the forthcoming municipal elections, stressing that transparency in the reservation process is crucial for free and fair polls.
In a communication addressed to the DMA, Sardesai said he supports the decision not to undertake ward delimitation ahead of the municipal elections, noting that it is in line with the State government’s notification freezing administrative boundaries in view of the upcoming census exercise. He said retaining existing ward boundaries brings a degree of certainty to the electoral process.
However, the MLA emphasised that clarity on ward reservations is equally important. “Reservation is not a peripheral matter; it goes to the very heart of free and fair elections and directly impacts the ability of potential candidates to prepare, organise and contest on an equal footing,” Sardesai said.
He warned that any delay, ambiguity or last-minute notification of reservations would seriously prejudice candidates, distort the electoral process and create an uneven playing field, which would be contrary to the principles of natural justice and the constitutional mandate of fairness in democratic elections.
Sardesai further cautioned that if the reservation process is not completed and announced within a reasonable and transparent timeframe, legal recourse would be considered. “Should the reservation process not be completed in time, we will have no option but to approach the Hon’ble High Court and seek appropriate directions to ensure timely notification before the elections,” he stated, adding that the issue is one of institutional integrity and public interest, not political expediency.
He said the credibility of municipal elections depends not only on adherence to statutory timelines but also on the perception of fairness and openness in decision-making. Sardesai expressed hope that the Directorate would act decisively and responsibly to complete the reservation process without delay, thereby avoiding unnecessary litigation and safeguarding the democratic process.
