Bakhat Bahadur Karki (107 years old) Jhorhat, Morang

I am a resident of Jhorhat, Morang, 107 years old . My name is Bakhat Bahadur Karki . I was born in 1975 BS in Manthali, Ramechhap  . When I was young, our family migrated to Morang  . The area around present-day Jhorhat and Biratnagar was a dense forest  That scene is now a blurry memory, but the fear is still in my mind.

I experienced the horrors of the 107-year Rana regime. I saw that period from 1903 to 2007 with my own eyes. The people had no rights, no voice. After the change of 2007, new hope dawned in the country.

Panchayat elections held by banning parties

The history of formal elections in Nepal is not very long. I later learned that the first local elections were held in Kathmandu on 29 Jestha 2004 BS. I had heard that women were not allowed to vote at that time. On 17 Bhadra 2010 BS, women were also allowed to vote. I was happy to hear that. I said that I cast my first vote on 7 Falgun 2015 BS. That was the first general election held on the basis of adult suffrage according to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2015. I was 40 years old at the time.

Interestingly, I did not have citizenship at that time. I do not remember who or how my name was entered in the voter list. Later, before the 2036 referendum, on Sunday, Asad 11, 2035, I obtained citizenship from Morang. I was 55 years old at the time. My citizenship number is 41051102.

I was incredibly excited when I voted for the first time. When I held the ballot in my hand, I felt that I was participating in shaping the future of the country. At that time, the voting process was simpler than it is now, but the sense of responsibility was much deeper. I cannot remember exactly who I voted for, whether that candidate won or lost, but I feel like I voted for BP Koirala.

After the Panchayat system was introduced in 2017 BS, democracy fell into a trap again. In 2036, King Birendra announced a referendum. Birendra gave the people the choice of multi-party or reformed Panchayat. That was my second big voting experience. Although it is not clear who I voted for in the first one, I remember voting in favor of multi-party in the referendum.

After that, I have participated in the National Panchayat member elections in 2038 and 2043, the House of Representatives elections in 2048, 2051, 2056, the first Constituent Assembly elections in 2064, the second in 2070, the Federal Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections in 2074 and 2079. This will be my 12th parliamentary vote in the upcoming elections. I have voted in local elections as many times as well. I am happy with my life and excited to be able to vote in the upcoming elections.

I have seen and experienced the journey from Rana rule to republic. Democracy, Panchayat, multi-party, people's movement, Constituent Assembly - I believe that the people's vote was decisive in all these changes. Even one vote makes a difference. That's why I have never missed a vote.

This could be my last vote. Even though I am old, I still consider myself an active citizen when I get to vote. Earlier, candidates used to visit villages and meet people in person. They used to make simple promises to build roads, bridges, and schools. Now, there are big development plans, employment, social security, and infrastructure. But, in my understanding, ultimately, winning the trust of the people is the main thing.

My daily routine is still regular. I wake up at 6 in the morning. Whether it is winter or summer, this habit has not changed. At 5 in the evening, I climb the stairs myself and go to bed. I also go to the toilet by myself. Even if there is no one at home, I do my own work. Until a few years ago, I used to straw the cows and mow the grass. But, now I have stopped doing it.

My wife passed away a few years ago. She was already blind. I have been lonely since her passing. My son and daughter-in-law are taking care of me. I feel lonely but my morale has not decreased. I have worked hard all my life. I still have scars from the wounds I received while working. I feel like those scars are signs of my struggle.

After waking up in the morning, I wash my face, eat tea and biscuits. That is my regular routine. I eat light food in the afternoon - biscuits and fruits. I don't eat much in the evening. Earlier I used to eat betel nuts, but now my family has reduced it. But sometimes I eat them. My son and daughter-in-law get angry when I eat betel nuts. If someone gives me something out of love, I eat it happily.

I listen to the radio regularly. When I listen to the news, I am interested in the events of the country and abroad. Even now, the radio is talking about the elections. I got the news from the same radio that the elections are going to be held. But, I don't know which party, which leader.