The Hima Khyrim has allowed women to be an integral part of the dorbar shnong by granting them voting rights to elect the Sordar of Smit today.
As per customary practices women cannot participate in the election of the heads of traditional village bodies. However, the Hima Khyrim appears to have evolved with the changing times and followed the true spirit of democracy.
“It is high time that women should be allowed to take part in the election process in the dorbars in a democratic way,” Pyniaidsuk Lyngdoh, the Lyngdoh of Raid Nongkrem said.
He said the district council does not have laws that prescribe on how the himas and the dorbar shnongs should hold elections. “Hence we have to follow the Constitution of India and ensure that all eligible voters exercise their right,” he added.
Baphinda kharbuli, one the women voters said she was happy to be part of the electoral process. She said every woman over the age of 18 should take part because as a community, women are also actively involved in the affairs of the dorbar shnong by being members of youth bodies. She said women have been able to contribute and strengthen village administration.
Syiem Khynnah of the Hima Khyrim, Habapan Sing Syiem said they have introduced a secret ballot system in the election of the Sordar. Permanent resident who are 18 years and above and who possess an EPIC card issued by the Election Commission, are allowed to vote.
Meanwhile, Pynshongdor Lyngdoh Nongbri won the election with 791 votes.
It may be mentioned that in 2020, the Meghalaya High Court of Meghalaya ruled that the women in the State have the right to participate in the election of the heads of traditional village bodies.
Nevertheless, while women are already electing their Rangbah Shnong in several localities of Khasi Hills the fact remains that the district council laws based on tradition are not being uniformly followed with each dorbar.
The Syiem of Mylliem in a letter to the Acting Rangbah Shnong of Bishnupur Kenchs’ Trace has directed him to seek permission from the deputy commissioner to hold the election for the rangbah shnong on February 19.
The letter dated February 7, 2022 said all residents will take part in the electoral process and the word “Tang shynrang” meaning only men, was inserted in the letter.
