Today’s elections seen as new chapter in Afghanistan’s political history

Special messages televised urging people to exercise democratic right without fear.

KABUL:

The electronic and print media of Afghanistan are optimistic about the success of the crucial presidential and provincial councils’ elections being held today and view the process as “a new chapter in Afghanistan’s political history”.

Television channels are running advertisements urging people to go polling centres to exercise their democratic right. All the channels are airing special messages by President Hamid Karzai asking people to use their democratic right to determine the future course of the country. Moreover, Karzai has warned government officials to refrain from interfering in the polls and has also promised transparent elections.

Special elections-related advertisements are urging people to ignore all threats on Election Day. In one message, people are being informed that voting is not un-Islamic in a reference to the Taliban’s opposition to the process.

Leading newspapers in their editorials also stand behind the democratic process and claim people’s participation should be a priority.

“This is the day when the fate of one people and one country will be specified. The election is not only part of a political process but a crucial point in our contemporary political history,” the private Mandegar daily stated in its editorial.

It further stated that staying away from polling booths would serve the purpose of the Taliban and fulfill their “ominous goal”.

An independent daily, Hasht-e Subh, states “The Afghan people, like other freedom-loving nations, are willing to elect their rulers and the extensive participation in Saturday’s elections will lead to a new chapter.”

Another private paper, The Daily Afghanistan, said Afghans are neither worried of the Taliban nor suicide bombings, but believe in their vote and taking part in the elections.

“The people are eager to take part in the presidential and provincial council elections. The promises being made by the candidates will remain in the memories of people so they (candidates) should keep in mind what they say and what they do.”

The state-owned daily Anis wrote that participation in elections will show the world that Afghans are not terrorists but victims of terrorism.

“The Afghan people will demonstrate on April 5 that they deserve a comfortable and peaceful life and can lead the country towards permanent stability through determining their own fate.”

Another paper, Sarnawesht, said the Taliban’s deadly attacks and propaganda are aimed at terrifying people from voting but they would not succeed. Arman-e Melli states that thousands of people attended election rallies without any fear of attacks and this reflects their determination to pursue the path of democracy.

“The people of Afghanistan will now make a decision as to who should be their next leader. The enemies of peace are not sitting idle and might take dangerous steps,” it said and urged the media to encourage people to go to polling stations.

The private daily Cheragh said after 40 years of suffering, difficulties and lost hope, the people of Afghanistan have pinned their future on the elections.

However, it also cast a doubt on the process and stated, “The elections are faced with severe challenges and it does not seem they will be able to bring about a substantial change in the country.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2014.