LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Two separate gatherings were held in support of presidential candidates Zalmai Rassoul and Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf in southern Helmand province on Wednesday.
The gathering in support of Rassoul, held in Lashkargah, was attended by about 500 people, said Malim Mirwali, a Wolesi Jirga member from Helmand.
The MP said the gathering was aimed at mobilising the people to actively participate in the April presidential and provincial council elections in line with their national responsibility.
He added the participants voiced support to Rassoul because they were convinced the former foreign minister had better programmes than others and that he understood well international politics.
Elsewhere in the city, hundreds of people gathered in Tor Tang area, pledging support to Sayyaf. A campaigner, Wali Jan Sabiri, hoped people would vote for Sayyaf due to his significant sacrifices during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and his reputation as a religious scholar.
Addressing the gathering, former jihadi commander Ahlullah Obaidi said all those vying for the presidency were national personalities, who could serve the country turn by turn.
He supported Sayyaf because he had better programmes for the country’s rebuilding, announcing the extension of their campaigning to Helmand’s districts.