Afghan voters pin hopes on presidential election

Afghanistan's tense presidential election is expected to go ahead on Saturday, after being delayed twice amid months of uncertainty.

Voters are expressing hope and frustration about the future in the face of threats of Taliban violence.

Asghar Mehrzada, founder of Drop and Ride, Afghanistan's first freestyle cycling club, told Reuters that he is hoping for a transparent election and that the new president can get his country out of the current crisis.

Mohammad Ashraf echoed the same sentiment.

"I've been a blacksmith for 20 years, and we want to have a good election. I call on all people to vote for a good and righteous person as the next president."

Supporters of Afghanistan's presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah attend the presidential election campaign in Herat, Afghanistan, September 24, 2019. /Reuters Photo

As the elections are going ahead amid threats of Taliban violence, Sayed Noman, shopkeeper, expressed concern over polling centers in dangerous areas.

"We are concerned about how the election will be held because most of the areas are under the control of the Taliban, and the election will not be held in those areas. That's why we're worried fake votes will be used there," he elaborated.

Security is a burning issue in Afghanistan, and voters are looking toward leadership that can fix the problem.

"I want a good person to win the upcoming election, a person who can create job opportunities and bring security to the country. We don't ask to receive any food, as God is the best provider," said Zainab, a baker.

Staff members of Afghan Independent Election Commission (IEC) carry ballot boxes in Kandahar, Afghanistan, September 21, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

"We must all go to the polls and vote to elect the next president. We want to have a good president in the future, so that he can serve all the people, especially the athletes," said Mohammad Rafi Sultani, a member of the Kabul Skate rollerblading team.

Wali Mohammad, head of a marble factory, expressed hope that a good person will be elected as the next president."

"All our compatriots are happy that the election will take place," he added.

Pashtana Durrani, a university student, a social and political activist said: "I'm very hopeful for the upcoming elections, because this will be my first time to vote for the candidate as a democratic citizen in Afghanistan, and also exercise and practice my right."

(With input from Reuters)