Nangarhar tribal elders demand timely presidential polls

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Hundreds of tribal elders gathered in eastern Nangarhar province on Sunday and demanded the presidential election to be held on time.

Urging people to fully participate in the Sept. 20 polls, the elders believed elections remained the only solution to resolve problems and form a legitimate government chosen by the Afghans themselves.

Around 400 elders from the Nasir tribe took part in the gathering which was orgnaised at the Tribal Affairs Department of Nangarhar in Jalalabad, the provincial capital.

The elders said peace was also important but it should not be linked with the election.

Abdul Rab, the eastern zone head of Nasir Tribal Council, called on his tribe to take part in the upcoming election and encourage other tribes to participate as well.

He feared insecurity might hamper the election process and at the same time stressed the government should provide people the opportunity to exercise their democratic right.

Asadullah Nasir, a tribal elder, said: “We support a candidate who is committed to the country and its people.”

Tribal Affairs Department Head Wajihurrahman Shinwari told the participants to encourage people to take part in election, independence day celebrations and receive electronic identity cards.

He said Nangarhar received a small amount of development projects based on decades-old population data. He believed the distribution of electronic identity cards could change the scenario.

pk/ma