Afghanistan: Students Launch Movement Seeking Youths’ Participation in Elections

A number of civil society activists and students started a movement titled- "Cards for Change and Vote for Future" in Kabul city on Thursday. The participants of the movement urged the Afghan youths to actively participate in the upcoming elections by casting their ballots. They highlighted the ways in which the youth can help the country undergo the political transition process successfully. Meanwhile, the organizers emphasized that the movement is completely neutral, and it has no links with any political group or party. The main purpose of the movement is to persuade the young Afghan boys and girls to vote in the next spring's elections. "Election is a vital pillar for democracy. We all should come forward and vote for our future. We should also participate in the movements that are aimed at encouraging the youth to participate in the elections," said Ms. Kubra Gawhari, a student participating in the movement. "We want that this program attracts more citizens and persuades them to register themselves and vote in the elections," said Hashmatullah Bahnam, another student. Meanwhile, several members of the Hezb-e-Mardom Afghanistan (HMA), at another gathering urged the youths to come out in large numbers and cast their ballots. The members said that the youths of can shape the future of Afghanistan. "The youths across the country should monitor the elections and ensure that it is held in a free, fair and transparent manner," said Dawood Rawosh, the Chairman of the HMA. The Afghan youth makes up 70 percent of the total population, and their vote is expected have major impact on the outcome of the upcoming elections. The choice of electoral candidates of the educated youth is considered vital to shape the future of Afghanistan.