Will the Goa Zilla Panchayat Elections Change the Political Landscape on December 20?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Get ready for the upcoming Goa Zilla Panchayat elections on December 20! With nearly 8.7 lakh voters expected and important political implications for the state, this election is set to be a pivotal moment in Goa's political landscape. Find out more about the candidates, constituencies, and what’s at stake.
Key Takeaways
- Election Date: December 20
- Voter Base: Approximately 8.7 lakh
- Polling Constituencies: 50 in total
- Counting Date: December 22
- Expenditure Limit: Rs 5 lakh per candidate
Panaji, Nov 29 (NationPress) The Goa State Election Commission (SEC) has officially declared that the elections for the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) will take place on December 20.
Approximately 8.7 lakh voters are anticipated to engage in this electoral event.
The elections will cover 50 constituencies across both North and South Goa, with the counting of votes set for December 22.
This announcement has triggered the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct throughout all ZP regions.
As per the commission's guidelines, candidates can file their nomination papers from December 1 to 9.
The scrutiny of these nominations is scheduled for December 10.
The electoral roll for this election is derived from the updated Assembly rolls as of January 1, 2025.
The SEC has successfully completed the reservation process.
In North Goa, there are nine seats reserved for women, seven for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and one each for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
In South Goa, ten seats are allocated for women, six for OBCs, and five for STs.
A total of 1,284 polling stations will be established, with 658 in North Goa and 626 in South Goa.
Voting will be conducted using ballot papers, as stated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The expenditure limit for each candidate has been set at Rs 5 lakh.
In total, 8,68,637 voters are eligible to cast their votes in this election.
Women voters represent a slight majority in the voting population.
Currently, there are 4,20,431 male voters and 4,48,201 female voters.
North Goa consists of 2,13,529 men and 2,25,948 women, while South Goa has 2,06,902 men and 2,22,252 women, according to the SEC.
The Zilla Panchayat elections are seen as a reflection of public sentiment ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls in the state.
During the 2022 Goa Assembly election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the dominant party, securing 20 seats in the 40-member House.
The Congress obtained eleven seats, while the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) achieved two seats.
Other smaller parties and Independents filled the remaining seats.
Although the BJP did not achieve a simple majority, it promptly sought support from the MGP and three Independents.
This strategy enabled the BJP to form the government for a third consecutive term, with Pramod Sawant being sworn in again as Chief Minister.
snj/khz
Point of View
The SEC's actions highlight the importance of maintaining fairness and transparency in the electoral process. This election, expected to engage a large voter base, will undoubtedly influence voter sentiment leading into the 2027 Assembly polls. As we observe, the dynamics of local politics often reveal broader trends affecting the state's governance.
NationPress
29/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Goa Zilla Panchayat elections take place?
The elections are scheduled for December 20.
How many voters are expected to participate?
Approximately 8.7 lakh voters are expected to take part.
What is the expenditure cap for candidates?
The expenditure limit for each candidate is set at Rs 5 lakh.
When will the counting of votes occur?
The counting of votes will take place on December 22.
What are the reserved seats in North Goa?
In North Goa, there are nine seats for women, seven for OBCs, and one each for SCs and STs.
