CITIZENS from all walks of life, in particular the elderly, came out in droves for the second round of national elections yesterday ... determined to cast their votes.
Ali Hassan, a 67-year-old businessman from Jablat Habshi, waited eagerly for the doors to open at the Jidhafs Intermediate Boys School in the Northern Governorate (constituency four – Jablat Habshi, Northern Sehla, Salmabad and Zayed Town), to ensure he voted in the run-offs as he was unable to participate in the first round due to travel commitments.
“I was delighted to be the first one waiting for the doors to open, as well as the first to head inside, ready to select my candidate; one that would serve the community and its citizens,” said Mr Hassan.
“The process was excellent and voting has definitely become easier.”
Wheelchair-bound Nasser Saleh, 72, from Hamad Town, who retired 22 years ago, voted at the Al Ahad Al Zaher Secondary Girls School in Northern Governorate (constituency 10 – Hamad Town East) with his son Weddah, 39, a government employee.
Mr Saleh said he was keen to cast his ballot and nothing would stop him from participating in the process.
Age could not dampen the spirit of Mohammed Mubarak, 85, a resident of Hamad Town North, who visited the Hamad Town Primary School for Boys in Northern Governorate (constituency eight – Hamad Town North, Suq Waqif and Louzy Lake) with his wife to vote – for the second time in a week.
“Voting is very important,” said Mr Mubarak. “We need to choose a good, honest person who serves the community and helps the poor. If God willing, I will keep voting for as long as I can.”
Ninety-five-year-old Muthana Al Yafei from Hamad Town South proudly walked into the Hamad Town Primary School for Boys, to complete his civic duty and was optimistic of voting again after four years. He was tended to by one of the polling station team members throughout the process.
Khairya Jamal, 66, who was also in a wheelchair, praised the team at the polling stations for their unlimited assistance.
“Everyone is so helpful,” said the stay-at-home mum.
“Elections for both rounds were well-organised and the team was ready to assist with anything. There were no delays.”
Sweet senior couple Mohammed Al Balushi, 84, and his wife Khatoon, 71, an Alzheimer’s patient, cast their votes with two of their daughters at the Al Ahad Al Zaher Secondary Girls School in Northern Governorate (constituency 10 – Hamad Town East).
Mr Al Balushi, who worked at the Interior Ministry for 36 years and is now retired, encouraged all 10 of his children to participate. His daughter, Hameeda, a 40-year-old who works in corporate communications in Bapco, said her parents were inspirational and instilled a sense of patriotism in their children over the years.
The family has been living in Hamad Town for the past 35 years and while the siblings have now moved to different areas across the country, they make sure to vote every time ... whether together or apart.
&uuid=(email))