------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.casadegoa.org -------------------------------------------------------
Braving rain, 72% Goa votes 3 Jun, 2007 l 0035 hrs ISTlTIMES NEWS NETWORK & AGENCIES SMS NEWS to 8888 for latest updates PANAJI: Despite downpours through most of Saturday, Goa turned up for the assembly elections, logging a robust turnout of 72%, surpassing last time's 69%. The state capital, where former BJP CM Manohar Parrikar and a Congress greenhorn Dinar Tarcar are locked in a keen contest, witnessed about 66% voting. Despite warnings by paramilitary forces to candidates to stay away from polling areas, candidates were on the move in several constituencies, meeting voters and shaking hands. In Navelim constituency, where former Congress chief minister and president of the recently floated Save Goa Front, Churchill Alemao, are locked in a straight contest with Congress heavyweight minister Luizinho Faleiro, there was a flurry of activity and Churchill's family was seen monitoring the turnout at many places. Faleiro too was on the move and expressed confidence that he would return to the assembly. Faleiro has never lost an election and has once been elected unopposed. Churchill predicted he would sweep the constituency. While the BJP did not comment on the vote, Congress sounded confident. "The Congress headquarter is upbeat. We expect to have a majority of our own," said AICC observer and in-charge of Goa, Margaret Alva. A total of 10.1 lakh voters were eligible to vote in this election which will decide the fate of 202 candidates, including CM Pratapsinh Rane, for the 40-member House. -- DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
