The Children's Parliament

"Vote for...Cookie!" "Vote for...Cookie!"

- Kumud Kumar

"Vote for...Cookie!"

The students of Chitwan School marched forward, chanting slogans. Their leader, Cookie, led the procession with a smile. His friends proudly held up placards and banners bearing slogans and tags: 'Brave Cookie', 'Honest Cookie', 'Dynamic Cookie', 'Vote for Cookie!'

It was the last day of the election campaign in the school, and Headmaster Sher Singh had asked the candidates to make their final campaign speeches after lunch.

After the procession moved through the school, everyone halted in the open ground.

Cookie stood at the center of the stage and started with his speech, "Dear friends, this school belongs to all of us. We should all contribute to making it better. As we have written in our manifesto, we will run extra classes in school for friends who need some help with academics. We will also establish a 'Welfare Fund' to help financially weak students."

"Therefore, I request all of you to make all the candidates of our group victorious by giving your valuable votes. Glory to Chitwan!"

The children applauded at his confident and reassuring speech. The students excitedly started shouting, "Hail Cookie, Vote for Cookie!"

Seeing Cookie's procession and hearing his passionate speech, his rivals Kenny jackal and Binny cat were in awe.

A week before this, Cookie was considered a weak candidate. No one paid any attention to him and everyone made fun of him. Now, he had become the strongest candidate. How did this happen?

Fifteen days ago, the Headmaster had announced in the morning prayer meeting, "This year, we will form a 'Children's Parliament' through election by students from third to eighth grade."

The details were posted on the school notice board. For the formation of the Children's Parliament, an election for the President, Vice President, Minister, Deputy Minister, Treasurer, Organization Minister, and five other members was to be held.