New Generation of Afghan Voters
Charles Johnson
Wed Sep 14, 2005 at 7:59 pm PDT • Views: 146
Young people in Afghanistan seem to understand that “democracy thing:” New Generation of Afghan Voters Is Finding Its Voice.
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 11 - Late in the afternoon here the streets are full of young men, pouring out of private classes that teach English and computer skills or that offer the chance to catch up on years of missed schooling during two decades of war. With books under their arms, the young men jump on their bicycles or head home on foot across the dusty roads and parks.
“We don’t want anything special; the only thing we want is the atmosphere and facilities to be educated,” Abdul Rahim, 18, said after emerging from an English class. Another student, Abdul Hadi, 28, said, “We do hope that finally we will have a capable Parliament and they can make facilities for studying.”
The young people of Afghanistan stand out in this already industrious nation as particularly motivated and politically aware and are seen by some here as an important constituency in the coming parliamentary elections, on Sunday.
Half of the population is estimated to be under 30, said Amena Afzali, who heads the new Ministry of Youth and Sports. “They have initiative and a readiness to learn - that is obvious,” she said. “We want the desires of young people to be listened to.”
Frank says: