The results of the Taleigao Panchayat elections come as no suprise and makes it very clear that money and muscle power continues to determine the outcome of elections. There is no point in the election commission fixing the ceiling on the amount that candidates can spend if the authorities do not have the spine or will to enforce the law.
It is a shame that police also failed in their duty to ensure free and fair elections. Maybe its time to call the army out to maintain sanity at election times since the police tamely follow the dictates of the political bosses. Taleigao may be the first Panchayat in Goa to witness so much money being poured by a panel supported and patronised by the local Taleigao MLA and Minister in the Parrikar government. This is going to be a benchmark for future elections and the situation can only get worse. Today one does not have to nurse the ward or constituency to get elected. What is vital is that you have the crores to spend and win your way to power. The public have also smartened up and rightly try to make the best of it at election time knowing very well that candidates only show up when they need the votes. Today our democracy has become an industry wherein candidates spend mind boggling crores to get elected because such investment pays guaranteed heavy dividends once they attain power. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
