LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): As many as 10 new faces --- young and educated --- have found their way to the 15-member provincial council of southern Helmand province.

The April 5 elections were contested by 92 individuals, with 15, including five former members, making it to the body.

Hayatullah Mayar, a youth and winner, told Pajhwok Afghan News he would honour what promises he had held out to his supporters during his campaign. He said the electoral process had been transparent because mostly youth had won seats.

Haji Hashim, another winner from Sangin district, said all the previous and new runners were popular individuals and were electable.

“In the previous term, a number of provincial council members were involved in corruption and failed to serve their constituents and did not discharge their responsibilities,” he claimed.

Nabia, a female winner, said she had long been looking for a chance to serve women in Helmand. “Now as I have won, I pray to Allah to support me in serving the public, especially women,” she added.

Shocked by his defeat seeking reelection, former provincial council head Abdul Bari Barakzai said his campaign had not been well. “This is not someone’s property. We can’t hold the position forever,” said Barakzai, expressing hope the new winners would serve better because they were mostly youth.

But another loser, Roohullah claimed a number of provincial council members were a victim of rigging.

A shopkeeper in the provincial capital said results from the provincial elections were transparent and everyone was satisfied with the outcome.

ra/ma