KABUL, upper house of parliament, members on Sunday asked voters to defy security threats and participate in next week’s landmark elections.
There has been an uptick in violence, including deadly militant attacks in the capital Kabul, in the build-up to the presidential and provincial polls, slated for April 5.
Senator Behram Khan Samkani from southeastern Paktia province noted the escalating terrorist assaults, saying the insurgents wanted strike fears into people’s hearts.
But he urged the Afghans not to be scared by the violence and stream to polling stations on Election Day to decide the country’s future.
His colleague Farida Kochi also asked the people to exercise their voting right without any fear. “Only the coward fear death. Man is born to die. Our women are equally courageous. All of us will cast our ballots.”
She accused Pakistan to be held in an inclusive and transparent manner.
Minority representative Anarkali Hunaryar said the recent assaults had fuelled grave security concerns among the masses. But they must vote to decide their future president, she added.
Without naming anyone, Hunaryar said Afghan security forces should use all its resources to prevent miscreants from disrupting the election process.
“Despite security threats, people are interested in casting their votes for the candidate of their choice,” she remarked, fearing the turnout would be affected if the situation deteriorated.
Vice-Chairman Rafiullah Gul Afghan, who chaired today’s session, also accused neighbouring countries of involvement in fuelling insecurity in Afghanistan. Those supporting attacks on civilians are the enemies of Islam and Afghans, according to him.
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