Don’t expect much coverage of the Afghani election from our friends at ABC, CBS, and NBC. You will have to look elsewhere for any competent coverage.
A 19-year-old Afghan refugee in Pakistan became the election’s first voter early Saturday, casting a ballot in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
Women’s Rights? White House Office of Women’s Outreach? Pale in comparison.
Of course, the hardliners (like some we have here) will do what they can. Some have already launched a few rockets.
“In 25 years a lot of rockets have landed. If another one lands because of the election, it’s no problem,” said Noor Uddin, a 49-year-old Kabul businessman, on Friday. “(Saturday) is a happy and historic day. That’s what is important.”
It’s a funny thing– so many here take voting for granted. Many even consider the electoral season a licence to denigrate the whole process.
And yet, a few photos, a few words, as we watch people vote for the first time, stumbling and learning about democracy, should give us pause and give thanks for the gifts that have been bestowed on us.
As I said elsewhere, Godspeed, Arghanistan and to those who protect and support you.
Comment by Alex — October 9, 2004 @ 9:01 am
I heard that some women were weeping in line, saying they never thought they would have a say in their lives. They should remind us how important our votes really are! sKerry keeps saying “Bush is running from his record”. With a record like this election in a country that’s never had one, that is patently ridiculous!
Comment by DagneyT — October 9, 2004 @ 10:42 am
The good news: the Taliban managed to have such a minor impact on the election, and that the voters would be undeterred by it. We’ve done our job well over there — way to go, Slice & Birdie.
The bad news:
– the election was totally fixed, or
– the election was totally botched, or
– nearly everyone with designs on public office in Afghanistan watched the aftermath of the US 2000 elections closely and picked up on a handy way to create division and undermine an opponent’s govenment.
Whichever it is: aw, crap. Well, nobody said it would be easy.
Comment by Bogey — October 10, 2004 @ 10:28 am
It’s really difficult to find out anything about what has happened. One thing I read said that someone used the wrong ink to mark those who had already voted, and the ink easily washed off. That was caught quickly, and nobody has any idea if any of those folks voted again. Regardless, it was a small number of voters.
All in all, I would proclaim this a big win. The democratic ideals are beginning to take root. The real test is always the second election, or the one that changes administrations. So it was here. The key election wasn’t either of Washington’s, or even Adams’. The test came when Jefferson won, and we had a peaceful change of leadership. That had never happened before.
Comment by Bunker — October 10, 2004 @ 1:00 pm