Ghazni clerics urge no women vote bar

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Religious scholars in southern Ghazni province on Wednesday urged families not to bar female members from casting their votes in next month’s elections.

The views were expressed at a day-long similar “Women activists and a number of women were in attendance.

Religious leader Maulvi Tawassuli told the seminar that men and women had equal rights in Islam. “Renounce inappropriate actions and allow your women the right to enfranchise,” he said.

He also called on the electoral authorities to organise awareness programmes for women in Ghazni ahead of going to the ballot on April 5.

Deputy governor Mohammad Ali Ahmadi on the occasion said women like men preserved the right to decide on their future and vote for their preferred candidates.

“Families should allow their females to participate in the elections and contribute to shaping the destiny of their country,” he said.

Provincial Women’s Affairs Director Shukria Wali said most women in Ghazni were yet to know about their rights.

“There are women unaware of the importance of elections and think their votes have no value,” she lamented.

A female, who took part in the conference, told Pajhwok Afghan News she wanted to use her vote in the upcoming elections in favour of her preferred candidate. “Just like me other women also want to cast their votes.”

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