Election Day In Afghanistan (Lee Hae Gyu Billy)

Facing threats of violence, millions of brave Afghans voted at the polls
Not letting fear of violence keep them away, millions of Afghans cast their votes for representatives on Sunday. Under tight security, they voted in schools, mosques and tents. This was the first election for parliament and regional councils in Afghanistan since 1969.
Turnout was lower than expected and voters faced threats of violence. Still, officials say the election was a success in moving Afghanistan towards democracy. "Today is a magnificent day for Afghanistan," said Ali Safar, 62, a voter Kabul, the capital of Afganistan. "We want dignity, we want stability and peace."
A Look at the Election
Voters were choosing representatives for the 249-member parliament called the Wolesi Jirga. Early results show that about half of Afghanistan뭩 12.4 million registered voters actually voted. That뭩 lower than the 2004 presidential election, when turnout was about 70 percent.
Officials say turnout could have been low because of confusion about the candidates. A total of 5,800 candidates were running for seats in parliament and provincial assemblies!
Another possible reason for low turnout was the threat of violence from the Taliban and other rebel groups. The Taliban once ruled the country with harsh laws. The Taliban threatened voters to stay away from polls.
The group is widely blamed for the deaths of several people in the weeks before the election. Some of those killed included at least seven candidates and four election workers. On Election Day, 19 attacks were reported across the country. Officials considered them to be minor and no one was killed.
Women Make Strides
The election was a huge step-forward for the women of Afghanistan. In the past, women suffered under the strict rules of the Taliban. Women were required to hide their faces in public. They were rarely allowed to speak to men. Girls over the age of 8 were not allowed to attend school.
Today, women are gaining more rights. In this election, about 44 percent of registered voters and 582 candidates were women. In addition, 68 of the 249 seats in parliament are reserved for women.
How will women do in the election? Votes will begin to be counted under tight security on Tuesday. Results are expected by early October.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.When was the first election for parliament and regional councils in Afghanistan held?
2.What's name of the person who said " Today is a magnificent day for Afghanistan, we want dignity, we want satbility and peace"