Autonomous District Council election hues

Staff Correspondent

Shillong: The longing to be part of the democratic process keeps visually impaired Melinda Lyngkhoi (36), septuagenarian Phen Kharkongor (86) and Cherry Nongkynrih (18), a first timer, to brave the inclement weather to cast their votes to the Autonomous District Councils on Wednesday.

At the polling booth, the joy of 36-year-old Milanda Lyngkhoi of being part of the process to choose the candidate was apparent. Guided by two of her immediate kin to the Laitumkhrah Presbyterian School polling booth, she excitedly said, “I have done my job by exercising my right to vote”.

“I am not saying which candidate I voted for, but I can tell you that this is third time that I had cast my vote after losing my eyesight.”

Eighty-six-year-old Plen Kharkongor also attended the Nongshilliang polling booth with two aides. She recalled the number of times she caste her vote, and was lucid that she has not missed once. She said, “Why should I waste my vote when I can be part of a process to choose representatives.” There were similar stories about elder citizens being hell-bent to go and vote in this ADC election. Many were guided by family members and in one instance, another 80-year-old asked, “Where is the queue”, not knowing that there is a passage for elder citizens. Her son-in-law, B Syiem said she went to the EVM, pressed her button and slowly walked out jubilantly.

The first time voters were in their own elements. Many were seen parading to the polling booths. A couple of new voters with whom The Sentinel spoke to said they still find themselves in an alien stage but expressed optimism that their vote will count.

This time around, there has been a good turnout of first-time voters. Former Minister and Vice Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian Luther University (MLCU) Robert G Lyngdoh said that young voters will add positive vibes to the democratic system. “I hope that they will be more vigilant and vociferous to bring a positive change to our political system”, stated Lyngdoh.

Also read: Meghalaya News