High number of women turnout in Bamyan
20 August 2009 - 2 pm: Women have been eagerly lining up at polling centres in Bamyan to cast their vote in the presidential and provincial council elections.
Agha Gul, 60, a house wife was among the women voters at the Sayed Abad Girl’s High School polling centre waiting for her turn to vote.
“I am 60 now, I can hardly walk, but today I walked for one hour to come and vote, because I know this is important for my country,” said Agha Gul.
Bamyan provincial governor Dr Habiba Sarabi was the first to vote in this polling centre, she says: “I have come earlier to persuade other women to participate in the elections.”
Aqila, 45, was another woman in the queue: “I have walked for an hour and half to come to this polling centre; I have been waiting here since six in the morning, I want to vote for someone who can bring electricity to our village.”
“This year’s elections are very important, when we look at the security situation in Afghanistan. I decided to vote and play my part of responsibility to strengthen my country,” said Zahra Alimy, a teacher in the voter’s line.
By Jaffar Rahim, UNAMA