from Lenny Barretto
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)

Panaji, May 26: It was real surprising to see the Goan bar and restaurant owners picking up a fight with the state authorities over ban on liquor sale after 10 pm. Already there is a ban on sale after the stipulated time. But when the ban is stringently implemented, the bar owners got angry.

This clearly indicates that the bar-owners, over the years, with the connivance of the excise department, have been violating the rules. And no one objected to it. Virtually every day is a day of violation day for them.

Why should they object to adherence to the rules? Why can't they accept the law of the land? Are they above the law?

In the backdrop of this election, every Goan should congratulate the election commission for being so strict in their act. No banner, no hoardings, no posters - and Goa has remained neat and clean. We have spared the privilege of encountering not so good-looking and corrupt politicians on the posters while travelling on the highway. We have been saved from reading all false promises, which, we know, are never fulfilled by the politicians.

The coconut trees swing freely in the air without bonds of banners tied to them. In every sense, it is a 'clean' election.

If such election takes place, even the poorest of the persons will muster courage to contest the polls. If the money-flow is checked then anyone can approach the voters and seek their votes.

The election commission rules should in fact continue even after election. This could be like asking for the moon, but it is really heartening to see that Goa is so much in control. Police officers can act fearlessly. And the government machinery can work for the people.

Post elections, everything will go back to square one. Corrupt politicians will take the people for a ride. The police will not dare to write complaints against heavyweights. And Goans will continue suffering.

How everyone hopes that the election commission takes over Goa for the next five years at least!