JALALABAD - The Independent Radio Safa organized a discussion programme on the upcoming Presidential and Provincial Council elections, slated for 5 April next year, in the eastern city of Jalalabad on Monday.

The programme, supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), was attended by some 600 people including university students, teachers, officials and representatives of media and civil society.

At the panel, six experts – including a police officer, a religious scholar and representatives of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and civil society – spoke about the several aspects of election such as significance of election, security during the election process, role of media, need for conducting election awareness campaigns, encouraging people to participate in elections, the importance of illiteracy, women’s participation, and the importance of observation and monitoring.

The religious scholar, Mawlawi Humayun, said, “Based on the verses of the Holy Quran I read, election is not an illegal process.”  He called on the people to vote for the candidates on merit basis, “otherwise incapable people will come on power.”

A spokesperson of the Nangarhar provincial police department, Hazrat Husain Mashriqiwal, briefed the participants about the security measures during election and said that they have taken all necessary measures to ensure smooth and secure election. “Police will remain neutral during the elections process,” added Mr. Mashriqiwal.

A woman activist, Balqis, highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the election process.

“I would like to call the elders of families – fathers and brothers – to allow their daughters and sisters to participate in the upcoming elections, as it is an important process for electing good leadership and strengthening good governance and democracy,” she said.

An IEC representative, Sadullah Fitrat, briefed on activities and preparation for conducting election in 2014. He called on all observers, media organizations and the civil society to play “good role” to ensure fair and transparent elections.

A civil society representative, Fawzia Muska, strongly encouraged families to provide education facilities for their children. She also described the role of media as “very significant”.

A Nangarhar theatre group performed drama regarding election and delivered messages encouraging the people to participate in the election.

Source: RTA Nangarhar