Brinda Das and Sanmita Acharjee of St Anthony’s College share their experiences as first time voters
Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity
~ Naomi Klein
THERE IS a first time to everything and so was our first time voting experience. Closing our eyes and drowning into reminiscence, we find ourselves unlocking those memories which we left unpronounced looking through the window of our minds’ eyes, we recollect the time when the campaigns, rallies, slogans would amuse us so much as children. Polling stations were our wonderlands, where people of different walk of life would be seen standing in a queue waiting for their turns to come. Our thoughts were confused, but we were at the same time very much amused.
As 2013 approached, ahead of the 9th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly elections, the streets were full of banners, posters and graffiti to raise awareness amongst the common man about their voting rights.
The adrenalin rush was pumped up as soon as the EPIC was places in our hands. Throughout the week, before “the day” we were simply, but desperately waiting for the moment to come.
At last “the day” arrived, like our happy moods the sun was also smiling brightly in the sky. Phone calls to friends, getting groomed was all we did before leaving for the “polling centre.” We were casting our votes from 21 Nongthymmai Constituency. As we entered the gate, the first thing that caught our attention was the news van belonging to DD news. Next we proceeded to the queue, and stood there as excited as ever. It was really amazing to see the great number of turnouts despite the poll boycott called by the HNLC. This clearly showed how petty things can never snatch our democratic rights from us. Everything was very well organized that surely needed praise. Security was good, polling officers carried on their duties well, all was systematic.
We were standing there chatting with everyone and telling them that it is our first time. It was very nice to see that the senior citizens were given the first priorities and they casted their votes for which they did not have to stand in long queues. They were picked up from their homes and were also dropped back in vehicles. This was indeed a great initiative taken. Finally, our turns came and as we entered, our EPICs were checked, we then proceeded towards another officer who inked our nails which symbolized that we have voted (this was what we had been waiting for). Next we went near the EVM machine where we carefully checked which party symbol belonged to which button so that we could press the right one and choose a leader of our choice who would work for the people.
Whoa! What an experience it was! Finally, the sharp beep of the EVM machine declared that we voted! We came out overjoyed with this feeling; when a news correspondent of DD news requested us to say a few words about the expectations we have from the government.
Indeed, a great job was done, we felt proud of ourselves that we played our small part in forming a government that would be of the people, by the people and for the people.
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