Friday, May 20 2005 08:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Panaji: Twenty-two candidates are in the fray for the June 2 by-polls to five Assembly seats in Goa, the result of which is likely to decide the Government in the State under President's rule.

Notable candidates in fray include former Ministers in the erstwhile Manohar Parrikar Government Atanasio "babush" Monserattte and Digambar Kamat both of who are fighting on a Congress ticket this time.

Former Tourism Minister Francisco Pacheco, who had joined hands with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), will contest Benaulim seat.

Former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Nirmala Sawant, who resigned from the party, is contesting as an independent from Cumbarjua constituency against Congress nominee Pandurang Madkaikar.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner N Gopalsawami will visit the State to review the arrangements for the by-polls and meet representatives of political parties and election officials in the State, an official press release said in Panaji.