I vote, therefore I am

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

If the headline resembles what Rene Descartes wrote years ago in the Discourse on the Method - ‘I think, therefore I am- know that it is not just a coincidence.

As it’s what a differently abled man from Muharraq told Tribune while waiting for his turn to vote on a wheelchair.

His words were different, but the essence was all there.

“My only goal is not to vote for someone but to vote for Bahrain,” he said with a sparkle in his eyes. And continued: “Because it is all we have.”

What better way to become a part of democracy, especially when every vote counts? Isn’t it? This man, a senior citizen from Muharraq, knows that better than anyone and has proven the same.

So, when he decided to vote, nothing could stop him - not even his age or disabilities. He, however, was not alone. Many such motivating sights were seen from almost all parts of the Kingdom.

One such sight was of a citizen arriving at a polling station to cast his vote, holding an oxygen cylinder in one hand and a passport in the other hand.

He is ailing, but that didn’t matter. “I am out here for the nation and to achieve a better reality for our dear Kingdom,” the man said as he walked away with firm steps after exercising his rights. In fact, polling stations all over the kingdom yesterday witnessed such brave sights, where people of all ages eagerly waited for their turn.

Some walked in, while others rolled in on wheelchairs, smiling and inspiring others to exercise their rights.

Polling stations in the Southern Governorate had set aside two tracks for differently-abled voters.

Organisers at the polling stations were also keen to help them and assist elderly and differently-abled people, ensuring privacy and transparency.