o say that the polling day was a long time coming, wouldn’t be unfair. Till February 8 had arrived, the general feeling was one of uncertainty and doubt: would the polls take place as announced? Would they be free and fair? Would the incarcerated popular leaders be kept out for good? These were amongst the many questions that surrounded (read ‘haunted’) Thursday’s polls.

Yet, as the polling day approached, the public interest was aroused. They seemed to realise that casting their votes mattered — despite their uncertainty, or perhaps to counter it. The polling stations across the city wore a festive look, as happy voters queued up, bright and early, as if with renewed hope and faith; men and women, young and old, alike.

Polling wound up at 5 in the evening, and things went smoothly, by and large, though the nationwide suspension of mobile phone and internet services caused some inconvenience and raised eyebrows. As counting began, every voter waited eagerly for their favoured candidates to win. Some suspected tampering; but, like they say, the show must go on…