Uncertainty looms over Comunidade elections in South Goa as administrator goes on leave

Elections for the Comunidade bodies in the South Goa zone kick off on December 8, with the election process spread over the next two months. However, the absence of a full-fledged Administrator to head the South Goa Comunidades has cast a shadow in the run-up to the forthcoming elections.

South Goa Administrator of Comunidades Mangaldas Gaonkar has proceeded on two weeks' leave starting Monday. The charge of South Goa Comunidade Administrator has been handed over to Cuncolim Municipal Chief Officer John Fernandes.

What is important to note is that John is currently holding an additional charge of the Curchorem Municipal Council, besides Cuncolim, raising questions about whether the election process can be managed by an officer holding two charges as Chief Officer of the Municipal Councils of Cuncolim and Curchorem.