The announcement of Hezb-e-Islami for participation in coming elections was tactically surprising. The armed group under the leadership of Gulbaddin Hekmatiyar always rejected the ruling system from religious prospective. In line with Taliban militants, the armed struggles were led to eradicate the system which promotes the human-made laws while the group wants to establish the Government of God on the earth. Irrespective of genesis of Islamist groups, they have one thing in common that is enforcement of Shariah laws, or as they claim, establishment of Government of God on the earth. Based on this philosophy, only God knows the best interest of human beings and knows the eternal bliss of his creatures. Hence, the only way that contains the eternal peace and serendipity is the path that Allah Almighty shows human beings through 124 thousand of His messengers sent since the very creation of human beings. (Based on Islamic sources Allah Almighty has sent 124 thousand messengers for the guidance of human beings. The first one was Adam and the last one was Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to whom Allah Almighty said that no Prophet will come after him. And he will be the last messenger of Allah). So based on this concrete philosophy, the superiority of Allah’s rule or Shariah is must. Who can ever oppose that human beings know better than Allah Almighty? So, if Allah knows His creatures well and understands their good and bad, then can human beings ever dare to develop their own laws. Indeed, this philosophy has an ideological basis. It divides the world into a black and white. To some extent, this perspective is debatable. Because the black is viewed as followers of devil and white the followers of God. It is an all-out war of followers of the God against followers of Satan. Hence, the followers of Allah Almighty are obliged to eradicate the followers of Satan. For such thing, they will be rewarded by Allah and will enjoy spiritual ascendancy.
Thus, the ideological dogmatism does not allow them to think that Allah Almighty does not need them for eradication of evils. And Satan cannot be the competitor of Allah. He is also His creature.
Anyhow, without further going deeper in the philosophy --- those interested can follow my articles published by the same Newspaper ---- I just want to say that Hezb-e-Islami is part of this global ideology. From the very start, it stood against the new system like Taliban militants. They just want to establish a Shariah-based government which, according to their notion, contradicts any other forms of government, including democratic one. The announcement to participate in elections can be a promising sign; however, it is too early to judge. Because the history of some Islamist groups in Islamic countries show that they may support democratic and non-violent move as far as they benefit them. If they did not help them reach to their main goal, they will soon turn against elections and other democratic mechanisms and, in U-turn move, brand democracy against teachings of Islam.
However, only time can prove the intention of the party but for now the announcement can be branded as step-forward. The Hekamtiyar-led armed group ordered members of the party and his supporters to take part in upcoming presidential and provincial elections. The party’s spokesman, Ghairat Bahir, has told that all those who are committed to the party or members of the party ordered to play visible role in upcoming elections. Previously, the party was claiming that by the presence of foreign security forces, a fair and transparent election was not possible. Based on a letter which is claimed to be of Gulbadeen Hekmatiyar, released by domestic and international media, supporters of the party are ordered to get voting cards and take part in provincial election. “Elect the nominees of the group or those who have a positive concept of it, and prevent bad candidates to succeed”.
No doubt, the preparation of armed opposition group is promising and has benefits. First of all, a visible part of the country is unstable merely due to presence of Hezb-e-Islami militants. Since the very US-led military intervention, the group stood against them and Afghan government. The group has tried its best to destabilize the country and breed fear and concerns in the heart of Afghans. The most notorious one was the last Eid message by the leader of the team. Hekmatiyar openly threatened Hazara community of facing harsh punishment due to their support for the current system.
Hence, if members and supporters of armed group comply with the order, there would be no need of security forces to protect polling stations or voters. By joining the process, armed supporters will become cooperative in order to increase their popularity and get larger votes. Instead of disrupting the process, they will help for better accomplishment.
Additionally, the mere announcement to participate in elections reflects a change in strategy as well as the mentality of the leadership team. Like many Islamist groups, the leadership team may have reached to conclusion that violent means may not get them to their goals. Thus, they should try to achieve their goals through modern and much accepted norms. Such a likely change itself glitters and will prove helpful to long-last unfulfilled desire of Afghans for peace and stability.