Tika Bahadur GC (96 years old) Liwang, Rolpa

I live in Liwang, Rolpa Municipality-4 . I was born in Vikram Sambat 1986  . I voted for the first time in 2015  In the 2015 elections, the constituency numbers given to the Rolpa-Pyuthan region were 82 and 83. At that time, constituency numbers were used rather than districts. Therefore, during the 2015 elections, Rolpa and Pyuthan were under the same administrative area (constituency no. 82 and 83). Later, in BS 2018, Rolpa was established as a separate district. In the 2015 elections, Anirudra Sharma won from constituency 82 and Shadananda Subedi from constituency 83. Both the MPs were from the Congress party.

In 2015, the Congress and the Communist Party participated in the elections. Also, with the help of Rana, there was an activity of a party called Praja Parishad. At that time, the method of seeking votes was not as easy and exciting as it is now. Voting was done without seeing the candidate. Before casting the vote, there was a practice of comparing and judging who was capable. There was a small talk about making those who could work MPs.

Every election is a festival

I now feel that a voter or his vote is very important. Those who become MPs by getting votes also have their importance. That is why everyone can be heard claiming to be the representative of the people. But, then and now, it does not seem like the leaders who won by getting votes have worked as the voters wanted or according to the people's wishes. In the meantime, some have done good work. But, most have worked only for themselves. They have focused on position and money.

The reason for voting is different then and now. Back then, elections were held for the political system, while now they are for development and peace. Looking at the situation from the Panchayat system to the present, one can understand many ups and downs. Speaking of the present, the importance of elections is distinct not only for peace and development but also for the protection of the nation and nationality.

From 2015 to 2082, I myself have voted at least 20 times. A lot of votes were cast in the Panchayat and during the elections after the multi-party system. In 2015, a democratic system was voted for, while in 2048, a multi-party system was voted for for the first time. Moreover, in 2064, when I voted for the Constituent Assembly election for the first time, I had a slightly different experience. During the subsequent elections, sometimes when I voted, I also voted for different ideas as needed. In most of them, I have voted for the same party.

Every time I vote, I get excited. I get excited about what kind of leader I want to win. The atmosphere is like that. When you vote in this way, your rights are prioritized. It is a joy to hear that the MP you voted for has done such a thing and has become a minister. However, the last time the vote did not have an impact . Because the leader I voted for did not win . Still, I could not stop voting .

I saw a difference in the election process, the way of asking for votes and the style of choosing leaders  in my own life . For example, there were no boxes or ballots like there are now . Nor was the style of asking for votes like today . Now you can see the candidates through social media and the media . You can understand their thoughts, plans and opinions . And you can make a vote . Even though I am old, my enthusiasm for voting has not decreased . I can go out of the house and talk easily . That is why I have been counting the days to wait for the election to come and to be able to vote .