A Indian woman She won local elections almost two weeks after her death, officials said, as she was elected by supporters who were willing to honor their promise to support her as a mark of respect.

Ashiya B. received almost 44 percent of the vote in municipal elections held earlier this month in India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, where she was declared the winner posthumously.

The 30-year-old first-time nominee died of an illness just 12 days before the election.

Her husband Mudazim Kerizi informed the electoral authorities, but Bhagwan Saran district spokesman told AFP that no procedures had been put in place to remove her name from the ballot.

“Once the electoral process has begun, it cannot be stopped or interrupted,” he explained.

Ashiya B was very popular and many of her constituents chose to vote for her despite her death to show their respect and admiration.

“Ashiya made friends easily and people were unwilling to break their promise of support to her, hence the result,” local resident Mohammad Zakir told the Times of India.

According to her husband, Ashiya B has “captured hearts with her calm demeanor.”

“Our votes pay tribute to her,” said one of her voters.

^{Source: APE-MEB, AFP.}