GHAZNI CITY (PAN): Elders, residents and public representatives on Tuesday asked the government to improve the security environment in southern Ghazni province ahead of next year’s historic presidential vote.
The call came at a gathering in Ghazni City, the provincial capital, attended by a number of tribal elders and youth. They asked the authorities to take stringent measures to ensure a good turnout in the April 5 polls.
The landmark elections are seen as crucial for Afghanistan's future and continued international aid to the country.
Khalil Hotak, a tribal elder and member of the Ghazni Peace Committee, told the audience: “We want a peaceful transition from one elected leader to another through a fair vote, which is possible when there is security.”
He asked Ghazni residents to exercise their right to vote in favour of a candidate of their choice.
Ali Khel, who heads a local council in Maqur, said Ghazni dwellers knew the importance of the elections and were enthusiastic to vote for a preferred presidential runner.  
The departments concerned should ensure the environment was suitable and polling stations accessible to voters in rural areas in a bid to have a satisfactory turnout and transparency, he opined.
A female member of the provincial council, Gulistani, asked Ghazi people to allow their women to obtain voter cards, saying a large numbers of women were deprived of the cards due to insecurity and cultural barriers.
She said females needed to be assured a safe and secure environment during the elections.
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