Nine per cent polling in Goa

Enthusiastic voters, including a large number of women and youths, were seen queuing outside the polling booths, braving the hot and sultry weather, sporting hats, sun glasses and carrying umbrellas.

An estimated nine per cent of 9.32 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the two Lok Sabha constituencies of Goa in the initial hours today, election office sources said.

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Enthusiastic voters, including a large number of women and youths, were seen queuing outside the polling booths, braving the hot and sultry weather, sporting hats, sun glasses and carrying umbrellas.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Archbishop of Goa, Philip Meri Ferrao, exercised their franchise at Alphinho, while former Chief Minister and NCP candidate from North Goa, Wilson D'souza cast his vote at Saligaon.

Another former Chief Minister and MP Churchill Alemao of Congress cast his vote at Mormugoa.

A total of seven candidates are in the fray for Panaji seat while nine are contesting for Mormugoa, but the prominent fight is between traditional rivals Congress-NCP combine and BJP.

While the battle for Mormugoa is a close one between Congress' Alemao and sitting MP Ramakant Angle, Panaji will witness a contest between NCP's Wilfred D'souza, also a former Chief Minister and Union Minister and MP Sripad Naik.