Abdullah sees election as key to solving problems

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said holding transparent and inclusive elections is the only way to overcome “current problems” in the country. Addressing an event on the 26th anniversary of Mujahedeen’s victory in Panjsher province on Saturday, Abdullah called on the people to participate in elections.

Members of Jamiat-e-Islami party’s leadership and former Mujahedeen leaders also attended the event at a stadium in the province. “Taking national identity cards, registering to vote and voting in parliamentary and district council and presidential elections is the duty of all of us and I hope that you fulfill this responsibility,” Abdullah said. He talked about his plans for 2019 presidential elections. “The mujahedeen leadership will have their specific candidate in the upcoming presidential elections,” he added. Jamiat members meanwhile stressed the need for maintaining “the achievements of Jihad”, helping the people to achieve democracy and supporting them to select their leaders through elections.

“Instead of making strongholds for war, we continue our efforts to make foundations of our politics and carrying of our legal civil and political activities,” said Mohammad Younus Qanooni, member of Jamiat leadership and former vice president. Participants of the event called for thorough support for the election process. This comes after the voter registration process kicked off on April 14. Despite a low turnout by the people across the country, the Independent Election Commission says it hopes participation will increase in the coming weeks. The upcoming parliamentary and district council elections are scheduled to be held on October 20.