'Price of democracy': Afghans risking their lives to vote

Nearly nine million people have registered to vote despite string of attacks

In this photo taken on October 9, 2018, Afghan employees of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) loads biometric devices in to boxes at a warehouse in Kabul. More than 800 faces, 15 pages, one vote. Kabul voters will wrestle with a newspaper-sized ballot on October 20, racing to find their candidate as quickly as possible under the threat of a militant attack.
 - TO GO WITH: Afghanistan-politics
 / AFP / WAKIL KOHSAR / TO GO WITH: Afghanistan-politics
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From a university student to a middle-aged housewife, Afghans planning to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election say they are willing to risk their lives for democracy.

Nearly nine million people have registered to vote, but far fewer are expected to turn out on polling day due to threats of violence and expectations of massive fraud.

Six people across the war-torn country explain why their vote matters.

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- Omaid, the artist -

In this photo taken on October 8, 2018, Afghan co-founder and president of ArtLords Omaid Sharifi, 32, poses for a picture as he holds his id card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, in Kabul. Bloody violence has forced thousands of polling centres to close and stopped millions of people from registering to vote. But war-torn Afghanistan's long-delayed legislative election will still go ahead on October 20, officials say. Almost nine million people are eligible to vote in the ballot, which is more than three years late and largely funded by the international community.
 / AFP / WAKIL KOHSAR
Omaid Sharifi, 32, poses for a picture as he holds his id card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, in Kabul. AFP

Out with the old and in with the new is Omaid Sharifi's hope for the legislative election.

The 32-year-old artist, who is voting for the first time, wants to see a new generation of politicians take their seats in the next parliament.

Mr Sharifi, co-founder of Kabul-based street art collective ArtLords, was inspired to vote by the large cohort of young, educated candidates among the more than 2,500 contesting the ballot.

"I am concerned (about security) but I think this is the price of democracy we have to pay," he said.

- Fatima, the housewife -

In this photo taken on October 11, 2018. Afghan housewife Fatimah, 55, poses for a picture as she holds her ID card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, at her House in Mazar-i-Sharif. Bloody violence has forced thousands of polling centres to close and stopped millions of people from registering to vote. But war-torn Afghanistan's long-delayed legislative election will still go ahead on October 20, officials say. Almost nine million people are eligible to vote in the ballot, which is more than three years late and largely funded by the international community.
 / AFP / FARSHAD USYAN
Fatimah, 55, poses for a picture as she holds her ID card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, at her House in Mazar-i-Sharif. AFP

First-time voter Fatima Sadeqi wants to stop criminals, thieves and corrupt people from entering the next parliament.

The 55-year-old housewife and her eight family members plan to support the same candidate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

"We are tired of poverty and insecurity," she said.

"I hope the new parliament is a better place, full of good people."

- Shirin, the potter -

In this photo taken on October 10, 2018.Afghan potter Shirin Agha, 45, poses for a picture as he holds his id card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election at his workshop, on the outskirts of Jalalabad. Bloody violence has forced thousands of polling centres to close and stopped millions of people from registering to vote. But war-torn Afghanistan's long-delayed legislative election will still go ahead on October 20, officials say. Almost nine million people are eligible to vote in the ballot, which is more than three years late and largely funded by the international community.
 / AFP / NOORULLAH SHIRZADA
Shirin Agha, 45, poses for a picture as he holds his id card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election at his workshop, on the outskirts of Jalalabad. AFP

Shirin Agha wants his 10 children to grow up in a peaceful Afghanistan - and he is willing to die to help make that happen.

The 45-year-old potter in the eastern city of Jalalabad is a first-time voter and plans to back "a good Muslim and an honest person".

"I want the new parliament to bring fundamental changes to the economy, education and security so that our children can live in peace," Mr Agha said.

"If my vote can bring these changes I will take any risk. I will either die or vote."

- Zahra, the university student -

In this photo taken on October 11, 2018, Kabul university student Zahra Faramarz, 21, poses for a picture as she holds her ID card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, in Kabul. Bloody violence has forced thousands of polling centres to close and stopped millions of people from registering to vote. But war-torn Afghanistan's long-delayed legislative election will still go ahead on October 20, officials say. Almost nine million people are eligible to vote in the ballot, which is more than three years late and largely funded by the international community.
 / AFP / WAKIL KOHSAR
Zahra Faramarz, 21, in Kabul. AFP

A sense of "duty and responsibility" is pushing English literature student Zahra Faramarz to vote - but she admits to being anxious about security.

Ms Faramarz's polling station is located in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul where ISIS has carried out devastating attacks in recent months.

But the 21-year-old said it was important to vote to ensure her community has a voice in the lower house.

"If we don't, someone else will select the candidates... that is not good for us," she said.

- Ghulam, the public servant -

In this photo taken on October 15, 2018, Afghan public servant Ghulam Farooq Adil poses for a picture as he holds his id card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, in Herat province. Bloody violence has forced thousands of polling centres to close and stopped millions of people from registering to vote. But war-torn Afghanistan's long-delayed legislative election will still go ahead on October 20, officials say. Almost nine million people are eligible to vote in the ballot, which is more than three years late and largely funded by the international community.
 / AFP / HOSHANG HASHIMI
Ghulam Farooq Adil in Herat province. AFP

After disappointing results in the previous two elections, Ghulam Farooq Adil hopes it will be third time lucky on October 20.

The 29-year-old public servant from the western city of Herat plans to vote for an "honest" candidate who can help bring peace to Afghanistan.

"I want the new parliament to come up with a solid plan to end the war," Mr Adil said.

"I need to see changes, at least for the future of my son."

- Abdul, the retiree -

In this photo taken on October 11, 2018, Afghan man Abdul Karim, 85, poses for a picture as he holds his id card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, in Kabul. Bloody violence has forced thousands of polling centres to close and stopped millions of people from registering to vote. But war-torn Afghanistan's long-delayed legislative election will still go ahead on October 20, officials say. Almost nine million people are eligible to vote in the ballot, which is more than three years late and largely funded by the international community.
 / AFP / WAKIL KOHSAR
Abdul Karim, 85, poses for a picture as he holds his id card or Tazkira registered to vote in the upcoming parliamentary election, in Kabul. AFP

Abdul Karim believes voting is a religious obligation for Muslim men and women.

"They must vote," said the 85-year-old retiree in Kabul, who is voting for only the second time in his life.

But in return, the next parliament should "serve our nation, serve our land and provide" job opportunities for the poor, he said.

"We vote for Afghanistan and we expect our incoming MPs to make solid decisions for our nation's well-being."