Afghans Want Peace No Matter Who Wins Election

KABUL: (MEP) -Common talk nowadays in Afghanistan is who the next president will be. Many residents are on their tip-toes anticipating the outcome of Election Day.

While many are pleased with the secure and peaceful holding of Election Day, Afghans across the nation are asking that election institutions be fair and honest in counting ballots.

Residents in the district of Istalif, located in Kabul, say they will accept whatever outcome, even if the winning candidate is not who they voted for, as long as the counting process is transparent.

“They should not cheat, instead everyone must accept the will of God,” Sardar, a shopkeeper in Istalif, said.

With similar outlooks as Sardar, others in Istalif ask for a brighter future for their country no matter who the winner is.

“I want my vote to be valid and safe; meaning no one should be given a chance to commit wrong,” Anwar, a farmer in Istalif, said. “Whoever wins, I will accept it. It doesn’t matter if it’s Abdullah, Zalmai or Ghani. I will accept it with pleasure.”

Another resident of Istalif, Abdul Rahim Peeri, a construction worker, said he is pleased with the turnout of the elections, but asks the people of Afghanistan to respect the outcome.

“Whoever IEC announces as the winner we should accept it and others will too,” Peeri said. “There must be peace.”

The presidential and provincial council elections were held successfully on April 5. The public now waits for the announcement of the winner, but encourage each another to accept the result.