Towards democracy : Swat’s women vote for peace

Mismanagement, rigging attempts cause uproar in parts of the region.

SWAT: For the first time in Swat Valley, all women’s polling stations remained functional despite the presence of traditional fetters.

“Even though men had decided to stop us from taking part [in the elections] in our area, we stepped out and cast our votes,” said an elderly woman present at the Amankot polling station for women on Saturday. “When women did not turn up at polling stations in the morning, I personally went to their homes and motivated them to use their right to vote.”

“I voted for the first time in my life,” said Shaista. “At first I was a bit nervous inside the polling booth, but everything got better and I stamped [the ballot paper] according to my wishes, for peace in my country.”

However, it was not so easy to vote in other areas. In Kabal tehsil and Matta, mismanagement caused uproar at polling stations where political party workers and agents were reportedly forcing women to cast votes in favour of their parties.



This did not last long, as after voters complained, soldiers of the Pakistan Army were called in to intervene and streamline the process. “Some political agents in the polling stations were forcing female voters to cast votes in their favour. We immediately complained to the Election Commission of Pakistan and they sent security forces to control the situation,” said Fazal Wadood, a local resident of Kabal tehsil.

Although women voters’ turnout was low, those that did participate set an encouraging precedent. Women were also content with the security situation. In light of possible militant attacks, tough security measures were taken with police and army soldiers constantly patrolling the area.

There was great enthusiasm observed among Swat’s residents as they streamed out to take part in the democratic process. Certain difficulties were faced such as long, slow moving queues outside polling stations. However, people remained interested and called for the voting time to be extended in order to ensure their voice was heard.

“This is our last chance for change and if people miss it they will regret it for the rest of their lives,” said Abdullah, a voter in Saidu Sharif. “I came out for a positive change that will lead our country towards democratic development and prosperity.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2013.