Campaigning for parliamentary election in Afghanistan finally began after it was delayed several times, a development that effectively puts an end to all suspicions and concerns that the election may further be postponed. The National Unity Government’s repeated betrayal of its promises in regard to election has undermined the public’s trust to an extent that they were not sure even after the completion of the voter registration process that election may actually happen. The commencement of election campaign is a laudable step forward.
The coming three weeks are a very important period for both people and candidates. During this time, people will have the opportunity to identify the right and the best candidates considering their platforms and past performance, while the candidates will be able to convince people and garner their support. The candidates have to carry out their election campaign in full compliance with electoral laws because it is regarded as a litmus test of their character and performance. If individuals can break principles and laws during candidacy, they cannot be expected to conduct themselves properly and justly if they become public representatives. One of the violations of code of conduct by candidates is not keen paying attention to the cleanliness of cities, especially capital Kabul, while putting up their posters and banners. On the first day of electioneering, many candidates had posted their campaign ads and materials in Kabul city, but the streets were littered with trash papers and plastics. In fact, it can do more harm than good to them.
The candidates should carry out their election campaign in a way that not only will encourage people to vote for them, but also restore the lost trust in election. They should inform the people of the importance of polls, and ensure them that a single vote can bring a huge change when the election is held transparently. The people should be even encouraged to assist in ensuring transparency in the democratic process in addition to participating in it. It will encourage people, who have lost faith in the election, to partake in the process on the one hand, and give the people the freedom to choose their favorite representatives on the other hand. They will vote for candidates who have the ability and qualification to win a parliamentary seat, and represent people. The work of Wolesi Jirga in the past has made things difficult for the first-timers because the lawmakers are known more as protectors of their personal interests than being as real public representatives. The citizens should also prevent a repeat of the bitter experience of the past by voting for candidates who prefer national interests to their personal and partisan interests.
The responsibility of candidates as electioneering formally kicks off
