One of the crucial pillars of a democratic system is election. But elections are nothing without people’s participation and their votes. In Afghanistan, democracy is still nascent but is moving towards betterment. So far, two presidential and provincial council elections and the same number of parliamentary elections have been held. These elections are enough to establish the fact that democracy is working in Afghanistan and as the time passes people will be more interested in taking part in democratic processes. Although still there is much to do, awareness among the people regarding electing their president and representatives in the parliament and provincial council has dramatically increased since the first presidential election in 2004.

Afghans are at the distance of only about 3 months from the crucial presidential election. Based on a recent study conducted by Democracy International, more Afghans are interested to vote in the next election. The study has found that 85% of Afghans intend to participate in next presidential election that is going to take place at the same as election for members of provincial councils on 5th April.

At the same time, the main concern of the people who were questioned in the study remains to be the insecurity. 77% of them have deemed the security situation as the main obstacle to holding the election in a proper way.

Undoubtedly, conducting an election in its real terms given the prevailing condition in Afghanistan is quite difficult but as President Hamid Karzai has said, even a faulty election is far better than an illegitimate government. Therefore, election must be conducted no matter how the circumstances are. This will be like a punch on the face of insurgents whose objectives are keeping Afghans away from participating in elections.

It is very welcoming that majority of people of Afghanistan in spite of existing security threats are interested to vote in the upcoming election. This indicates their detestation from wars that have grabbed them for more the three decades now. Indeed most Afghans have realized that change for better can be brought through votes in a democratic system not by taking up arms.

The international community, Afghan government and Independent Election Commission must not disappoint the public. They must ensure a free, fair and transparent election by taking timely and effective measures to diminish possibilities of ballot-stuffing, meddling and other kinds of frauds in April 5th election.