MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Age is just a number when it comes to casting a vote. This was demonstrated by senior citizens across Goa who braved the summer heat and their age to physically arrive at the polling stations and participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Assisted by their families, these senior citizens, some of whom could barely walk, made their way to the polling booths on Tuesday.
While the Election Commission of India (ECI) had initiated a door-to-door drive to facilitate voting for senior citizens and people with disabilities using ballot papers, some chose to walk to the polling stations to cast their votes. They expressed happiness and contentment at being able to exercise their voting power.
“We came out to vote because we want development. All the road works and other infrastructure development should be done. They have spoiled our roads by digging to lay cables. Before the rains, they should repair the road so that people are not unduly troubled. They should do something good,” said Ramesh Maldar, a senior citizen from Bastora. However, in some cases, senior citizens faced difficulties. At Aquem, Margao, senior citizens had to wait for two hours to cast their votes. Additionally, no facilities for senior citizens were provided at the polling centres in Adarsh School, Malbhat, leading to discontent and annoyance over the long wait.
“We senior citizens find it difficult to vote with the EVMs and would prefer the old ballot papers that we are used to,” said Natividade De Sa from Canacona, echoing the sentiments of many others.
