Afghan Youth Debates: "Use Your Vote Wisely"

Islamic scholars at an IWPR discussion in the eastern Afghan province of Khost said it was incumbent on each individual to use his or her vote sensibly. 

The debate, held on November 17, brought together students from the Sheikh Zayed University and a panel consisting of Maulavi Shah Mohammad, who heads the provincial council of religious scholars, cleric Maulavi Aminullah Momin, and the head of public relations for the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission in the province, Sahebuddin Zadran.

One question put by students was that in the early days of Islam, a person’s moral authority and experience counted for a lot when they took part in collective decision-making, but this was no longer the case since everyone’s vote carried the same weight.

The panelists’ reply was that this made it even more important for people to vote, and to do so responsibly.

“Vote for a candidate who will not misuse [the mandate]. If you vote for someone who abuses it, you should be aware that you too will count as sinful,” Maulavi Momin said.

Maulavi Shah Mohammad added, “It’s important that not only tribal elders take part in elections, as they might elect someone the people didn’t accept. A tribal elder cannot exercise choice on behalf of everyone.”

This report was produced as part of Open Minds: Speaking Up, Reaching Out – Promoting University and Youth Participation in Afghan Elections, an IWPR initiative funded by the US embassy in Kabul.