SHILLONG: Come September 17 next, and it will be a memorable day for Kiemsima Kharmawlong, the oldest voter of Shillong, who exercised her franchise on Saturday.
The grand old lady will celebrate her 113th birthday on September 17 with the sweet memory of having cast her vote in this poll as the next Assembly election will be held only after five years.
It was in 2011 after checking the EPIC of Kharmawlong that the relatives confirmed that her age was 111 years. Subsequently, on September 17 that year, the relatives and the well wishers celebrated her birthday at St John’s Parish Hall.
“It is my right to vote and that is why I came here,” said Kharmawlong after casting her vote at the polling booth set up at St John’s Hall, Laban.
The whole family came along with Kharmawlong while she approached the polling station with ease on Saturday afternoon.
A relative said that though their Mei-ieid (grandmother in Khasi) cannot hear or see clearly, she can walk without much support from any one.
The oldest voter in the city has a daughter, 4 grandchildren, 19 great grand children and 70 great-great
grandchildren and majority of them are eligible voters.
A relative said that unlike other old people who take special diet, Kharmawlong is at ease with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
By casting her vote at this age, Kharmawlong wants to convey to the younger generation the importance of taking part in the democratic process of election.
