Saturday, March 26 2005 19:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A decision on holding bye-elections in five Assembly seats of Goa, which was brought under President's Rule early this month, is likely to be taken by the Election Commission in a week's time.

"We will take a decision in a week's time on holding the bypolls or otherwise" EC told sources today (March 26, 2005) in New Delhi.

The 40-member Assembly with the five vacancies has been kept under suspended animation after the political drama involving Congress and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) resulted in two trials of strength.

The vacancies have been caused due to the resignation of incumbent MLAs in the month-long political drama, which witnessed games played by rival sides to gain control of the tiny State.

Under the Representation of the People Act, the Commission has to hold bypolls within six months of creation of a vacancy and if it was not possible, it has to clarify why it was not possible. The Goa Assembly elections have to be completed before July 29.

The State receives heavy rains during the monsoons beginning on June one and the exercise needs to be completed before end of May, the EC sources said adding this has necessitated a decision on the issue within a week.