Goa outfit appeals to EC to hold Assembly polls after January

Goa Forward party has appealed to the EC to hold the Assembly polls after January so as to avoid a clash with peak season for tourist arrivals and weddings.

Panaji: Newly launched Goa Forward party has appealed to the Election Commission to hold the Assembly polls after January so as to avoid a clash with peak season for tourist arrivals and weddings.

"In the best interests of Goa and also for fair and peaceful conduct of elections, we humbly request you to schedule the 2017 Assembly election in the State anytime after January," party President Prabhakar Timble has said in a communication to Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi.

Quoting certain media reports, Timble said elections in the coastal State are likely to be held in mid-January.

The term of the 40-member House ends in mid-March.

"The tourist season in Goa commences in October and December-January are the peak months for the tourism industry and all the local stakeholders who are dependent on tourism for employment, entrepreneurship and livelihood.

"Besides, there is immense pressure on the administration and law enforcement agencies during this period," added Timble, whose party was launched in January this year.

"An announcement of elections in November/December by the EC and consequent operation of the code of Conduct would be detrimental to the genuine interests of the tourism industry which encompasses a range of activities," he said.

"Further, this is the season of weddings which starts from Diwali and touches the peak in November/December," Timble added.