Before 6th April Presidential and provincial elections, people were worried about militants’ threats as well as other vague and worrisome issues around them such as whether they would be held or not, whether it would be fraudulent, etc. But the day of elections put an end to such worries. President Hamid Karzai who was used to be blamed for engineering the elections or endeavor to bring changes to constitution to maintain his grasp on the power, finally appeared to be so supportive when he called for Grand Traditional Assembly, of Loya Jirga last year to talk over Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States, many started blaming him of putting other topic, including modification of constitution which does not allow a person to become president more than two times. Though he was persisting that there was no agenda other than BSA, but propaganda continued till the last day of Loya Jirga session. Thereafter, he was also at the edge of any criticisms made by government and perhaps the future. Believe it or not, many actually believed that he may not easily step down from power, considering the chaotic political history of Afghanistan. Just putting a glimpse to the history, it becomes clear that Afghan rulers never accepted to step down peacefully or give up power unless fighting till the last seconds of his life. The behavior of President Karzai was assessed in the same context. Even popular figures secretly often expressed concerns what Mr. President may finally do.

But sincerely thanks to Mr. President. Till now with his wise behavior and activities he proved that he is not going to ruin the country for his own personal or communal interests like his predecessors. The history will single him out of all leaders for whom power was anything and could sacrifice even parts of the country for remaining in power. While Mr. President has acted so wise and avoided any measures which could threaten the national interests. He has been supportive to electoral process and has tried his best to make elections fair and transparent. Thanks to him.

Secondly, people, before the elections, were worried about the way presidential elections would be held. We observed that all previous concerns were illusionary. The high turnout was astonishing even for the most optimistic individuals too. According to creditable sources, in 2009 presidential election, less than five million people took part which was a failure both for government and international community. Indeed it sparked hot debate whether the international community is wasting time and resources on people who still have a long way to accept a democratic system. As the chief intelligence of a neighboring country  told to high ranking Washington official that democracy was too early for country where tribal system plays strong role. But last week’s elections proved a different thing. Seeing long queues at polling stations were unbelievable for international observers. According to Independent Election Commission around 7.5 million people took part in the election which makes over 50% of total number of individuals qualified to vote. Heads of several states congratulated the country for being dynamic and sensitive to the future. Such a high turnout could not be the reason of baseless imitation rather reflected a major ground development in every Afghan’s house.

The Taliban threats also ended up to nothing. What Afghan security forces did on elections day was enviable for countries with strong military force.  690 attacks were carried out but with least casualties. Taliban and its affiliated groups were fully aware that if the election move uninterrupted, the trust of civilians will raise tremendously on Afghan security establishments. Presently, if part of Afghans avoids cooperating with security forces is only due to reason that may feel unsafe. If they reach to a conclusion that they will remain safe and Afghan brave soldiers and police will guarantee their safety and their families, they will cooperate and report insurgent activities. Hence, if they lose the support or their dominance and fear erode among people, they will be not safe anywhere in the country and their strengths in challenge the government will diminish significantly.

Therefore, they accumulated their full power and left no stone unturned the wreak havoc in the process, but they bluntly failed. If I claim that Saturday’s elections was as major defeat for militants as the collapse of Taliban government in 2001 by US-led military intervention, I have not exaggerated.

As result of good security arrangements, the election passed peacefully. It was much like a national celebration. Even those who due to any reason did not take part were so regretful and deep down were feeling shy. Presently, everybody talks about what a joyful day it was.

But it does not mean that everything is on track. However, the elections are over but their results are something that itches everybody’s mind. People are worried how the presidential candidates react if they lose? Would they show the courage to make the announcement day of the elections result another celebration or spoil everything by pushing on their naïve personal interests? Hence, I humbly request all presidential candidates to realize the sensitive stage the country is and do not pull trigger which once again plunge the country into another round of crisis and repeat the history of barbarity and blood.