KABUL (Pajhwok): With the election campaign ending tonight, thousands of people attended rallies in support of three presidential candidates in Kabul and northern Faryab province.
In Kabul, hundreds of people took part in a rally supporting presidential runner Dr. Zalmai Rassoul.
Addressing the gathering, Abdul Majeed Mubarez, head of Kabul residents’ council, said they had decided to vote for Rassoul after thoroughly analysing all candidates’ strategies and programmes.
He said Rassoul’s “Moderation, Equality and Construction team” had perfect programmes concerning employment, rule of law, construction, economic growth and unity among tribes.
Rassoul’s first vice-presidential candidate Ahmad Zia Massoud also addressed the rally, saying more than five million people lived in Kabul and their participation in a political process was determinant of success.
“Our team is committed to bringing positive changes to the lives of Kabul dwellers, who are complaining about dilapidated condition of roads and unhealthy environment and drainage system.”
Meanwhile, a separate gathering was held in support presidential candidate Daud Sultanzoi in Kabul.
A large number of people attending the rally pledged support to Sultanzoi in next week’s presidential race.
In his address, Sultanzoi encouraged people to widely participate in the elections and vote for candidate of their choice.
He said the elections were crucial to strengthening nascent democracy in Afghanistan and hoped the war-weary nation would be entering an area of prosperity after the ballot.
If succeeded, Sultanzoi said he would increase stipends for the disabled.    
Meanwhile, leading presidential hopeful Dr. Abdullah Abdullah arrived in Faryab province on the last day of electioneering.
Addressing thousands of people gathered in Maimana, the provincial capital, Abdullah praised Faryab residents for their role in the jihad against Soviet occupation.
He urged them to participate in the elections and vote in his team’s favour. “The way we made the jihad against Soviet invading forces a success, we’ll be the winner of this election as well.”
Accompanied by his two running mates, Abdullah promised to complete work on the Faryab-Herat ring road, which could not be completed due to security threats.
He would also construct the Khasht Pul and Almar dams and would focus on education in the province if won the elections.         
Abdullah said he wanted to visit Jawzjan, Sar-i-Pul and Samangan provinces as part of the campaign, but was more interested in visiting Faryab.
mrh/ma