Thursday, June 2 2005 08:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Panaji: Balloting for the crucial by-polls to five Assembly constituencies in Goa, where the legislature is kept under suspended animation, began in Panaji today (Jun 2, 2005) amidst tight security.

The outcome of the by-polls would set the stage for formation of a popular Government in the State, ending President's rule, which has been in force since March 4 due to political instability.

An estimated 1.16 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 22 candidates, including former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Ministers Atanasio "babush" Monserratte, Digambar Kamat and Pandurang Madkaikar, who are contesting the by-polls on a Congress ticket.

Taleigao constituency in north Goa has the highest number of six candidates, followed by five in Cumbharjua, four each in Margoa and Benaulim and three candidates in Poinguinim.

Counting of votes will be taken up on June 5.