Elections

A few months ago, this region held its elections. For about a month, the city streets were adorned with banners and large posters, as flags and ribbons floated along in the spring breeze. Above is a picture of a rally, which was a common sight as well. People driving in caravans of colorfully decorated vehicles would often make their presence known by the honking of horns and cheering.

When the election day came, men and women both went in droves to local schools to cast their vote. After voting, each person was to dip his or her finger in permanent, purplish-blue ink so as to make sure that person will not vote again. For the next week or so, everyone in town had a purple index fingertip.

This young boy was also allowed to get in on the fun.

I also was able to go with local friends to three different voting stations, where I was able to see first-hand how elections are done here. Although I didn’t get a purple finger like everyone else, I was glad to be a part of the election in the way that I was able to be.