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Abu Dhabi: The annual election of office bearers of Kerala Social Centre (KSC), one of the largest organisations of the Indian community in Abu Dhabi, favoured the incumbent panel.
The fierce election campaign, conducted by two panels, resembled a general election and attracted the attention of the community at large.
The 15-member panel led by K.B. Murali , the incumbent president, won the election held on Tuesday night by a margin of about 200 votes, said an official of the centre. The election was held in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs. It is third time Murali has been elected to the managing committee. Beerankutty A.K., the incumbent general secretary, is also among the winners.
The elections last year became controversial with a panel of contestants questioning the results. The issue was resolved later thanks to the intervention of the authorities.
The election had a political overtone, as KSC is said to be a centre for supporters of a leftist party in India. The incumbent panel is said to have lost rapport with the party while the rivals are said to be close to the party.
The election was held after the annual general body meeting in which the annual report was presented by the incumbent committee. The casting of votes started at about 11pm and continued until midnight. The results were announced early in the morning.
The mood outside the centre was festive on Tuesday night, as supporters of both panels gathered wearing colourful t-shirts and caps depicting the names of the candidates. Banners fluttered while the supporters distributed leaflets explaining their agenda to the voters.
Many of the community members said they became nostalgic as they were reminded of the the general elections in India.
"Even the contestants canvassed from house to house, like political parties in India do", said a community member. Others were annoyed with the fierce campaign. "I was compelled to switch off my mobile to avoid the campaigners," said K.I., a member of the KSC.
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