As the Lok Sabha election 2024 is approaching on May 07, 2024 in the third phase, a wave of enthusiasm for democratic participation sweeps across the nation. In concerted efforts to engage citizens and enhance voter turnout, the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa is committed to provide all basic facilities to the voters and designated staff at booth.
Voting is a fundamental right of every citizen to choose the leaders and to form the government. Therefore voter’s participation is very important in the electoral process to run the democracy successfully.
The preparations towards Lok Sabha election in Goa on May 7, 2024, are in full swing to ensure smooth and efficient voting processes across the state. Realising the importance of provision of required facilities at polling booths and to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and participation in the electoral process, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Goa has undertaken several initiatives.
A total of 1725 polling stations have been set up across the state, with 863 in the north and 862 in the south. Among these polling stations, 43 model polling booths in North Goa and 45 in South Goa have been identified. It has been aimed at streamlining the voting process and reducing waiting times. To cater to the needs of senior citizens, medical camps will be set up at 8 model polling stations in urban areas where there is a higher percentage of elderly voters. After casting their votes, senior citizens can avail basic facility of health checks provided by doctors from the Directorate of Health Services.
In a bid to empower female voters and promote gender equality,40 (20 each )dedicated polling stations for women, also known as Pink Booths, have been established in both North and South districts of Goa. These polling stations will be exclusively managed by women officials, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for female voters to exercise their democratic rights.
Prioritizing environmental sustainability, 40 Green Polling Stations have been set up in both the districts. These eco-friendly booths are decorated using environmental sustainable materials such as bamboo and coconut leaves from local vendors , reflecting a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint of the electoral process.
To ensure inclusivity for persons with disabilities (PwD), Divyang Polling Stations have been established in both districts, with 5 in North Goa and 3 in South Goa. These booths will be managed exclusively by PwD officials and equipped with AMF facilities such as wheelchair access (ramp), Braille features in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Volunteers, wheelchair and other amenities to facilitate easy accessibility for PwD voters without any hassle.
Taking in view the importance of youth engagement in the electoral process, Youth Polling Stations have been introduced, with one booth set up in each district. These stations will be managed by polling teams consisting of the youngest eligible employees, aimed at addressing youth apathy towards voting.
In addition, special theme-based Polling Stations have been set up in both North and South Goa. In Panaji, the unique booth at Part 3 Admin Block No.G5, old GMC Ribandar, and at Cumbarjua at 01-Govt Primary Vanxim Sao Martins will have a theme centered around Traditional Fishing.
Similarly, in South Goa, the unique booth at polling booth No 36, Margao Municipal Council, will be housed in an old heritage building. The historical theme of the building will be highlighted through decorations such as slide shows, posters, banners, and other decorative items. Additionally, the traffic island adjacent to the building will also be adorned accordingly.
Moreover, the CEO of Goa under green initiative has organised of Planting a medicinal or Fruit bearing trees/saplings. The Voters after casting their vote will be provided with vehicles to go at the identified locations (highway) to plant the saplings and take selfie.
Second Initiative that will be undertaken is planting of saplings (Medicinal Plant and Fruit bearing) by poll officials in all the polling station locations. The polling team will reach to their allotted booths one day prior to the scheduled date of poll .
The polling team will plant at least 5 plants in each polling station with a target to plant 7500 plants with a message to the voters for greener environment and to create awareness towards love for nature. The plantations drive will be conducted by polling team immediately after setting up the polling booth.
Overall, these initiatives underscore the commitment of the electoral authorities in Goa to ensure a free, fair, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable electoral process, while also promoting voter participation and engagement across all segments of society to achieve 100% voting.
