Afghan Women Discuss Spring Elections

Five months ahead of the Presidential and Provincial Council elections, TOLOnews spoke to a number of Afghan women about what their concerns, hopes and plans were for the upcoming vote. Most of the women who spoke to TOLOnews expressed anxieties about security, which has been focus officials in Kabul in recent months who fear threats could lead to a low voter turnout and make it easier for fraud to occur.

“I am worried, I will not participate in the election if security does not provide,” said Deyana, an engineering student in Kabul. “There should be security for all women and youth to participate in the election.”

The women were asked about what they hoped for most in the upcoming elections and nearly said transparency.

“I want a transparent and fair election in order to select a candidate who can serve the people and end the war in Afghanistan,” one woman named Samira said.

After widespread documentation of improprieties in the 2009 Presidential election, the focus on transparency and fairness is understandable.

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Afghan Women Discuss Spring Elections