Panaji (Goa): The polling to elect new bodies for all the 186 panchayats in the State began here at a peaceful note. No long queues were seen outside the polling station when they were opened for voting at 8 a.m.

The election would be held for all the 186 panchayat bodies comprising 1450 wards with over 7.49 lakh voters eligible to cast their votes.

State Election Commission, which has been holding the elections, have made elaborate arrangements including abundant security around the polling booths.

Total 6,500 policemen would be guarding the booths under the supervision of seniors and election officials.

The votes would be polled through a ballot paper. The polling would culminate at 5 p.m.

The elections is being  held across 1246 booths. Approximately 7,49,686 voters are eligible to vote which include 3,81,192 female voters and 3,68,494 male voters.

Total 5297 candidates are in fray in 1450 wards with state government reserving 540 wards for OBC, SC and ST and 490 wards for women including 323 seats for women in general category.

As per the information available, over 70 polling booths are identified as sensitive, hypersensitive and critical areas across the State. In North Goa total 43 polling booths are identified as red zones that include 31 in Bardez taluka itself.

In Tiswadi, there are ten booths while in Sattari taluka two booths are identified as critical areas. In South Goa, 27 polling booths have been identified as sensitive.

Team TNV