New Generation of Afghan Voters

NYT reports 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." An estimated 70 to 80 candidates under age 30 are running for the Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of Parliament, where the minimum age is 25; about 150 are under 35. That is relatively few of the 5,800 candidates, yet it is raising hopes that a new generation of leaders will start to emerge in this war-ravaged country. "I don't like the long beards," said Khaleda, 27, a teacher and mother of four who uses only one name, alluding to religious conservatives. "We want young people, enlightened people, and a new generation."

It is a good sign that the young people are getting involved with politics. They are more likely to embrace democracy than the older folks who have only known conflict all their lives.