We are happy to report that yesterday’s elections went great- better than we could have hoped for! Although voter turn out was only 60% and four people- including an independent poll candidate were killed in poll-related violence, the polls were held successfully and security forces created safe and free voting conditions for the people. (Various reports from far flung villages are saying that ballot booths were captured and votes were cast illegally by Maoist cadres. The generally peaceful voting conditions in the city, Kathmandu, varied from the ground realities in the Terai and other fear-stricken communities throughout the country).
We walked up into the hills to visit some of the polling stations and observe Nepalis in one of their proudest moments as citizens. Smiles abound. Vehicles were not allowed to ply roads for a 24 hour period so the roads were clear; the noise and air pollution that normally plagues the city was non-existent as people walked to their designated polling sites. The polls that we saw were outside under tents at either schools or halls. People lined up starting at sun break to cast their votes. Each voter stepped behind a covered voting booth, much like in the U.S., and marked the party symbol of the candidate they wanted to elect. All parties are designated a symbol, for example, a tree, a sun, a buffalo, the hammer and sickle. Because some voters are illiterate, this is the best way for them to associate the party when they are at the voting booth.
People were overwhelmingly high-spirited. Children were eating ice cream bought from vendors stationed outside the polls, women were dressed in their best saaris and young men were huddled together to talk about the future. The excitement and hope in the air was unmistakable and for us, living here and investing our future in this country, we felt an amazing sense of pride in the people of Nepal. Erin has been here for almost a year and seen two election dates pass to no avail. She has followed the process through her organization and had a personal and professional connection to the political aspects of the elections since she got here last year.
Chills were running down or spines as we witnessed people taking part in an election that some felt may never take place. It was an emotional time for everyone. After all the violence, the fighting, the political power games and the tension between brothers and sisters in Nepal, the people have finally got a chance to make their voice heard. The outcome will be a reflection of the desires of the people, not the government, not outside forces, but the people that will raise their children in a democratic Nepal.
Cheers to the people of Nepal! This is a time to celebrate.
We walked up into the hills to visit some of the polling stations and observe Nepalis in one of their proudest moments as citizens. Smiles abound. Vehicles were not allowed to ply roads for a 24 hour period so the roads were clear; the noise and air pollution that normally plagues the city was non-existent as people walked to their designated polling sites. The polls that we saw were outside under tents at either schools or halls. People lined up starting at sun break to cast their votes. Each voter stepped behind a covered voting booth, much like in the U.S., and marked the party symbol of the candidate they wanted to elect. All parties are designated a symbol, for example, a tree, a sun, a buffalo, the hammer and sickle. Because some voters are illiterate, this is the best way for them to associate the party when they are at the voting booth.
People were overwhelmingly high-spirited. Children were eating ice cream bought from vendors stationed outside the polls, women were dressed in their best saaris and young men were huddled together to talk about the future. The excitement and hope in the air was unmistakable and for us, living here and investing our future in this country, we felt an amazing sense of pride in the people of Nepal. Erin has been here for almost a year and seen two election dates pass to no avail. She has followed the process through her organization and had a personal and professional connection to the political aspects of the elections since she got here last year.
Chills were running down or spines as we witnessed people taking part in an election that some felt may never take place. It was an emotional time for everyone. After all the violence, the fighting, the political power games and the tension between brothers and sisters in Nepal, the people have finally got a chance to make their voice heard. The outcome will be a reflection of the desires of the people, not the government, not outside forces, but the people that will raise their children in a democratic Nepal.
Cheers to the people of Nepal! This is a time to celebrate.
3 comments:
This is a truly great webpage. The images are stunning and allowed me insight to Nepal's social system. I'm very glad that the election over came everything and people were able to cast their votes.
~Megan
Hey girls! It's Kates Lymangrover. Well, Katie Gwyn as of June 4th 2005. It's been a while since I've seen you two. You both are quite the world travelers. I'd like to catch up , but I really must go. I'm at my sister Amy's and we're getting ready for a BBQ. So, if you could write me back when you have time that would be fabulous. My email is tklme@msn.com.
Love,
Kates
Thanks Megan. We are very pleased as well with the general peacefulness of the elections. Thanks for visiting and helping us put Nepal on the map.
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