PAKTYA - Religious scholars in Ghazni province have asked the womenfolk to participate in the upcoming presidential and provincial councils elections slated for 5 April this year and support the candidates of their choice.

The call came at seminar organized by the Independent Election Commission (IEC). Scholars said women and men had equal rights and both should take active part in elections.

The Regional IEC chief, Shah Jahan Sarwari, said the main objective of the seminar was to encourage Ghazni residents to vote in the presidential and provincial elections.

He advised Ulema (religious scholars) to extend public awareness programmes to mosques and other religious places.

“Religious scholars and tribal elders can play a vital role in promoting awareness about elections,” said the IEC official.

They should discharge their responsibilities, Sarwari said, adding the panel would hold more such events in other provinces.

Religious scholar, Maulvi Alizada told the participants: “Women’s rights are very clear in Islam; people should allow females to cast their votes in the presidential and provincial elections.”

A tribal elder from Ghazni City, Haji Abdul Hakim, urged the government to ensure security around polling stations so that women fell safe in exercising their franchise.

The Provincial Governor, Musa Khan Akbarzada, assured that the Afghan security forces would protect all polling stations.

“The situation has improved in Ghazni and local forces are trying to further improve it,” he concluded.

Source: Pajhwok Afghan News