81-year-old grandma to vote for the first time
DİYARBAKIR (DİHA) - 81-year-old Saliha Korkmaz is only one of thousands of women residing in Kurdistan without an id.
Korkmaz was born in Gökçetepe (Reşik) village bound to Sivan district of southeastern province of Diyarbakır. Her father passed away when she was 6-month, and she lost her father when she was 2 years old. She grew up and got married. But her children were registrated in birth of another woman in the village, as she had not and identity card.
Grandma Korkmaz have 7 children, but she lost her husband when she was at 35. She could register herself 10 years later, namely at the age of 45.
'Ballot has come for the first time'
She became shepherd in the village for years and worked in seasonal labours. The grandma moved to Diyarbakır city center 25 years ago. She had not registrared, so she had not taken a ballot yet. She registrated herself and has the "right" to vote anymore years and years later.
'I will vote for Abdullah Öcalan'
In a great excitement, the grandma said she would go to the polls for June 7th general elections. "I had never voted. I will vote at age of 81 for the first time," told the grandma.
When the locals ask me 'Which party are you supporting?', added Korkmaz, "I will vote for Abdullah Öcalan. I will give my first vote to Öcalan".
(nt)
