Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa State Election Commission has formally announced bye-elections to four village panchayat wards, with polling scheduled on May 10, 2026, and the Model Code of Conduct already in force from April 20.
The bypolls will be held in Ward VII of Pissurlem and Ward I of Dongurli Thane in Sattari taluka, Ward III of Batim in Tiswadi, and Ward I of Verna in Salcete, covering both North and South Goa districts.
Polling will be conducted from 8 am to 5 pm using ballot papers, with counting scheduled for May 11.
The election programme outlines that nomination papers will be accepted from April 21 to April 28 (excluding April 26), scrutiny will take place on April 29, and the withdrawal of nominations is set for April 30.
In a bid to ensure a level playing field, the Commission has capped election expenditure at ₹40,000 per candidate per ward. It has also imposed strict guidelines during nomination filing to prevent overcrowding—only two vehicles will be permitted within a 100-metre radius of the Returning Officer’s office, and just three persons, including the candidate, can be present inside at the time of filing.
To maintain electoral integrity, indelible ink will be applied on voters’ left forefinger before issuing ballot papers, aimed at preventing impersonation.
The Commission has also appointed district election officers along with general and expenditure observers to monitor the process, handle complaints related to code violations, and ensure smooth conduct of the elections.
Authorities said the measures are designed to uphold transparency and ensure free and fair elections across all four panchayat wards.
