Afghan Elections: Another chapter in our history unfolds!

I was very optimist when I drafted this post about 2014 election but turns out that still a long way to a democratic, fair and free election.

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The Afghan nation voted on 5th April to say NO to terror, extremists, war, and violence and proved that we are a nation of peace.

Afghans voted for democracy, for a better Afghanistan, for a peaceful country, for equality and prosperity and voted to show for the world that we are a nation seeking peace and wanting democracy.

Despite all the difficulties and security challenges, the Afghans very bravely participated in the election nationwide and changed the history by with the power of votes.

This election has been incredibly important because it is the first time in the history of Afghanistan that power is being transferred through a democratic process from one elected president to another one.

Indeed, it was a successful day for the Afghan nation and citizens used social media networks to widely celebrate the day despite all the problems we continue to face as we develop and improve our systems.

No-one can deny frauds and irregularities but compared to the last elections, the media reports showed that there was significantly less fraud this time.

For me, as an Afghan and living abroad as a refugee, just following the election reports through social media, talking to close friends involved in observing the election process and viewing Afghan TV live broadcasts, I feel proud.

I feel proud of the bravery of my nation and for their wide participation in this important election process and my tears, this time, fall with joy instead of sadness.

It was the second time that true respect comes to my heart for President Karzai, even though during his 12-year leadership, I criticized his policies with many harsh commentaries.

Yesterday demonstrates that he really did a brilliant job in Afghanistan´s history and showed his good intentions towards the continued improvement of our country.

As he cast his vote and gave a short media briefing to encourage the nation to participate in the elections, I tweeted “Mr. President, you did a brilliant job”. Another twitter I posted with a photo of female voters was forwarded by more than 100 people: “Women lining up to change history”

Last time in the 2009 election we were waiting for President Karzai to join us in a gathering in Kayan Valley on a warm and sunny summer day.  Around 11 clocks two helicopters appeared in the air and he was looking down at us and then shaking our hands.

Before his landing, I felt that same respect that filled my heart yesterday and told the head of women and youths committee of our party that, despite our concerns, I believed we had made a good decision to support and vote for this president.

Not all my commentaries on his policies have been glowing in the past, but the crucial step he has taken in this election meets the nation’s interests.

For this reason, he deserves our respect as the first leader that laid the groundwork for the democratic transfer of power in line with our new constitution.

At the end of the day, it is not only the candidate who is winning but an entire nation that is making history. We deserve this moment of hope and joy after so many decades of suffering.

Now the Independent Election Commission and other stakeholders should respect the outcome of our people´s vote and help this young democracy go from strength to strength.

In addition, it´s essential that all candidates respect the results without trying to manipulate any counts that are not in their favor.

Long live democratic Afghanistan!

Source:  http://www.khaama.com/afghan-elections-another-chapter-in-our-history-unfolds-2973