SHILLONG, Feb 21: The dust has settled and the indigenous voters of Khasi and Jaintia Hills have given their mandate on who should represent their constituency in the capacity of an MDC in the KHADC and JHADC.
Journalists, during the election on Friday, spoke to voters from different constituencies and sought their response to their expectations and aspirations from their new MDCs, who would be elected on Monday.
As voters exercise their right to franchise for the MDC elections, they are hopeful that this election will produce leaders who would work for justice, protection and development.
Be it the youths, elderly citizens or women, voters are optimistic about the change this election would bring even as many voters want their future representatives to stand for truth and the indigenous people of the state.
Ngalong Sukhlain, a resident of Jaintia Hills demonstrated remarkable determination by travelling to the Iawmusiang polling station to cast his vote despite facing physical challenges. This marked his third time participating in the electoral process. Sukhlain expressed his hope for a fair and just EC that prioritises the needs of underprivileged families and individuals with disabilities, particularly advocating for their betterment.
Sukhlain’s unwavering commitment to exercising his voting rights underscores the profound significance of democratic participation.
Young voters cast their votes in different constituencies and as many of them were first-time voters, they expressed their desire to have MDCs who would address their concerns and aspirations.
An elderly couple who came together to vote in one of the polling stations in Mawlai Mawroh lauded all the previous MDCs and MLAs for doing a tremendous job in serving the constituency. “By leaps and bounds, Mawlai is progressing and we need only good people who should become our representatives,” the elderly said while adding that the future representative must be an intellectual who would look after the downtrodden and wellbeing of everyone.
Even youths expressed their joy over exercising their right to franchise saying they have fulfilled their responsibility by electing their representative without any fear or favour.
Some youths also laid importance on the fact that no one should be influenced by money while they are electing their representatives as it will only ruin their future.
