KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): A female provincial council runner in southern Kandahar province on Tuesday said she was ready to serve her people despite security problems and traditional restrictions.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Serena Faizi complained that she was unable to run freely her election campaign and convey her views to the masses.
She said education and political activity was almost a taboo the women in a society that set store by primitive traditions. It was painful for a woman being ridiculed when entered the political arena, Serena said.
Despite experiencing a whole host of problems, she vowed to represent women on the provincial council and stoutly defend their rights. Her campaign is restricted to pasting posters on walls and installing billboards.
“So far I have travelled to four nearby districts, where I interacted with residents and tribal elders. I urged them to support me at the polls,” the candidate said.
It is difficult for a female runner to visit insecure areas and meet women, who have respect restrictive local traditions. 
She believed the campaign finance limit (half a million afghanis) was too low to meet the expenses involved. Given the tough political competition, candidates are required to spend more money.  
 Serena called the large number of candidates and appointment of local observers a major problem, saying she was bound to hire up to 60 observers, each demanding $100 a day.
More than 60 people are in the run for 19 provincial council seats in Kandahar province.  
mm/mud