GHAZNI CITY - Resident of the militancy-plagued Andar district in southern Ghazni province on Wednesday said they would actively participate in April elections, despite security threats.

A resident of Sahib Khan village told Pajhwok Afghan News that the security situation had improved in many areas and people could vote in the upcoming presidential and provincial council polls.

Haji Mohammad Anwar recalled: “In previous elections, no one could venture out of home -- much less cast their votes -- due to warnings from the Taliban and closure of roads.”

Law and order in the district has been on the mend since a popular public uprising against the insurgents began, according to Anwar, who said many areas were currently being controlled by Afghan Local Police (ALP).

Rahimullah, hailing from the Chahar Dewal village of the district, also intends to exercise his franchise this time around. He urged the future president to pay greater heed to Andar’s development.

“We have seen 12 years of fighting in Andar but the government hasn’t paid any attention to our plight. Our people are really afflicted, suffering a variety of privations. They need jobs,” he remarked.

A former jihadi commander, Abdul Qadir, is equally optimistic about the elections producing a positive change. He urged residents to vote for a candidate who would focus on addressing their concerns.

He said the fighters were still trying to prevent the masses from voting, but their efforts were unlikely to come to fruition. Abdul Qadir asked the people not to fear anyone and vote in the polls.

The district’s administrative chief asserted the government’s control over most of Andar, saying that people could cast their votes without fear for a runner of their choice.

Mohammad Qasim Desiwal said efforts were being made to ensure election security. In the previous polls, only three election workers had cast their ballots in Andar. (Pajhwok)