At St Michael’s Mukongolo Primary School in Malava, 80-year-old Flora Makokha Nechesa arrived early, determined to cast her vote in the by-election. But her journey at the polling station began with a moment of uncertainty.
During her first attempt at identification, the KIEMS kit failed to pick up her fingerprints. Presiding officers advised her to either wash her hands or rub her fingers on nearby stones to improve grip and clarity.
With quiet resilience, Mama Flora stepped aside, rubbed her fingertips on the stones as instructed, and returned to the verification desk.
On her second attempt, the machine successfully recognized her fingerprints, clearing her to vote.
Clutching her identification card and wearing a broad smile, she described the moment as a victory.
“Nimefurahi sana nimemchagua kiongozi nataka. Hata kama vidole vilisumbua, angalau kura yangu imehesabiwa,” she said.
Flora added that, at her age, every election feels significant, and she was grateful that officials took time to ensure she was not disenfranchised.
Floras’ experience mirrors the challenges faced by many elderly voters, but her determination carried her through and she left the polling station proud that her voice would contribute to the future of Malava.
