In an important move on Wednesday, over 500 Mullahs and religious scholars participated in a conference organized by the Ulema Council, Independent Election Commission and Hajj and Auqat Ministry about the elections process.

In a joint declaration, the Ulema urged the people of Afghanistan to actively participate in the political system and upcoming presidential and provincial council elections. They also urged people to pay extra attention and care in this process, practice transparency and prefer eligible candidates based on their merit to serve masses, rather than other particularities.

Their declaration urged the armed militant groups to give up violence, support the democratic system and not create hurdles for people taking part to cast their votes. IEC Chairman Fazal Ahmad Manawi hailed Ulema for their role saying it was important in the process to have advice and active role of religious clerics who play important role in dealing with people.

Our electronic media should give extensive coverage to such events to promote the essence of elections and role of masses in a democratic system.

With huge illiteracy rate, our newborn democracy will take long time to become a mature process to reflect will and mandate of masses in a better standard.

Given the current conflict and violence of Taliban militants in opposition to democratic system and practice of elections, turnout has been low during the few presidential and provincial council polling rounds held in the past. Other than that, it is important to persuade people to fully participate in the process making it a success.

Illiteracy is a factor to the lack of standard and real essence of democracy and elections in a country like Afghanistan, where many people vote candidates without much consideration of their policy and plans for the country, rather ethnic, tribal and factional basis.

The Ulema declaration also urged militants to stop violence and killing their countrymen, as Afghans have been larger victims of their bomb blasts and suicide attacks. It is against Islamic and cultural values to force people against their will at gun point.

Afghans have practically rejected Taliban by supporting the new democratic system and taking part in elections. Militants have killed many people on polling days in the past, but they have failed to force their intimidation against the will of masses.