After nearly four million people participated in the parliamentary election that concluded Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani said that it showed that voter turnout will remain high in the upcoming presidential election.
“I thank you for accepting my call and participating in big numbers in the election, despite threats,” Ghani said in an address to the nation.
The president said that Afghans also showed that they cannot be suppressed by force. “You had been clearly threatened by the Taliban, but you expressed your will and did not surrender to force.”
Ghani said that women’s participation in the polls as candidates and voters was a historic victory.
“Your participation in the yesterday and today’s voting proved that that it will remain high in the presidential election in order to have a legitimate and authorized leader for your future,” Ghani said.
The president also thanked the candidates for creating vibration among the public.
He said that the government is open to hire losing candidates.
