Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The State Election Commission (SEC) has moved into the next phase of preparations for elections to Goa’s 11 municipal councils, with officials currently examining feedback received on the proposed ward boundaries.
State Election Commissioner Menino D’Souza said the Commission is assessing the suggestions and objections submitted by the public and will issue the final delimitation notification within the deadline set by the High Court of Bombay at Goa.
Once the ward boundaries are finalised, the SEC will begin the reservation exercise. The draft reservation list is scheduled to be released on September 20, allowing the public a month to submit objections or suggestions. The final reservation notification is expected by November 9.
The election schedule will then move into its final phase, with the model code of conduct likely to be enforced for 25 days in December. Polling and counting are required to be completed, and results declared, by January 4, 2027.
The timeline follows the High Court’s recent decision upholding the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, while directing the SEC to complete the electoral process for all 11 municipal councils by the January 4 deadline.
The elected terms of the 11 councils ended between March and May 2026. Administrators were subsequently appointed by the State government to manage the councils until fresh elections are held.
The SEC has indicated that it will stick to the court-approved timetable to ensure the municipal elections are completed within the prescribed period.
