CSJP calls for public hearing on delimitation of wards
TEAM HERALD teamherald@ herald- goa. com PANJIM: Denouncing the
forthcoming panchayat polls as being " sabotaged by partisan political
interests", a peeved Council for Social Justice and Peace ( CSJP) has convened
a public hearing on April 28 for citizens and village groups aggrieved over
delimitation of wards.
" The present panchayat elections on May 16 cannot be claimed to be free
and fair. The CSJP expresses its dismay and apprehension over the manner by
which the polls are being sabotaged by partisan political interests and
arbitrary and non- transparent functioning of the Directorate of Panchayats (
DoP)," stated a press note released by CSJP Executive Secretary Fr Maverick
Fernandes.
" CSJP had alerted the State government well in advance about the
approaching panchayat elections and the need to carry out urgent electoral
reforms to ensure a free and fair electoral process." " The manner in which the
Goa State Election Commission has exempted corrigendums issued by the
Directorate of Panchayats from the Election Code of Conduct and then using this
excuse to postpone elections in a village panchayat brings into question the
neutrality of this independent institution in Goa," added the CSJP press note.
The CSJP has voiced its objection to the " undemocratic and unjust manner
of functioning of the State Government and its various agencies involved in the
conduct of the Village Panchayat elections. The present elections to the
panchayats on May 16 cannot be claimed to be free and fair." The CSJP has
decided to organise a public hearing on April 28 from 10.30 am to 1 pm at
Caritas Goa Holiday Home, St Inez, Panjim for citizens and village groups
aggrieved by delimitation of wards of the panchayats.
Those citizens and village groups interested in participating at the
hearing are requested to contact the CSJP during office hours on phone 0832-
2422821 or email at csjpgoa@ gmail. com, the press note adds.
