GHAZNI - Religious scholars in 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 seminar 'Women’s Participation in Elections from Islamic Perspective' in Ghazni City, where government officials, religious scholars and civil society activists and a number of women were in attendance.

Religious leader Maulawi 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, while calling on the electoral authorities to organize 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 have 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.

Source: Pajhwok Afghan News