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For Immediate Release
October 13, 2004

Global Message
Afghanistan's Election: The People Speak

"This is one of the happiest days of my life. I don't even care who wins. I just want peace and security and to live long enough to come and vote again in five years' time." --Sangi Khanum, an elderly Afghan woman, The Times (London), 10/11/2004

"I will vote for whoever will help the people the most. I don't want to tell you. I am very happy that the vote is secret and that no one will know who we vote for." --Abdul Mujid, a government worker in Kabul, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"These elections are also very good for women. For the first time, women are having a say in the future of Afghanistan. We are fed up with war." --Gul Sum, an Afghan housewife, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"In the whole history of Afghanistan this is the first time we come and choose our leader in democratic process and free condition. I feel very proud and I feel very happy." --Muhammad Amin Aslami, a Tajik, The New York Times, 10/10/2004

"It is a very important day. We are very happy. It is like independence day, or freedom day. We are bringing security and peace to this country." --Muhammad Hussein, a 75-year old Afghan in the city of Tarinan, The New York Times, 10/10/2004

"We are selecting our own president for ourselves. That's important. There will definitely be changes after this election. There will be an end to the robberies and armed militias. People will cooperate with the government." --Niamatullah, a headmaster in Tarinan, The New York Times, 10/10/2004

"This is something Afghans have wished for deeply, and for a long time. We want a clean government and an honest, patriotic president. Every Afghan should think very carefully about this decision, because we are building a future for our children." --Gulab Niakzai, a colonel in the new Afghan national army, The Washington Post, 10/10/2004

"I am old, but this vote is not just for me. It is for my grandchildren. I want Afghanistan to be secure and peaceful." --Nuzko, a widow in Kabul, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"It's an end to the rule of the gun in Afghanistan. I'm happy to see this day in my life. We nearly lost hope but this is a historic day." --Haji Sheralam, first refugee to vote at a station near Peshawar, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"I cannot explain my feelings, just how happy I am. I would never have thought I would be able to vote in this election." --Moqadasa Sidiqi, first Afghan refugee to cast her ballot in Islamabad, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"We are very happy. We want the election to end our wars." --Abdur Rahim, a 75-year old Afghan in the northern city of Sheberghan, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"We are going to elect our president. We want to stop the warlords and the bloodshed. We heard that the Taliban might attack polling stations, but if we were afraid, we wouldn't come out of our houses." --Rassool Dad, an Afghan who recently returned from exile in Iran, The Washington Post, 10/10/2004

"I've sacrificed. Everyone has sacrificed-and now it's worth it because we can vote for our own freedom." --Mangawar Khaksar, a private in the Afghan national army, The Chicago Tribune, 10/09/2004

"I came here to vote so we can have democracy and stability and peace in Afghanistan. There used to only be a transfer of power by force or killing. Today, the Afghan people are choosing their future leaders themselves." --Aziz Ullah, a 19-year old Kabul shopkeeper, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"I am so thankful the government has provided us with this opportunity and has maintained security all over the country. This is a wonderful moment for my country." --Ajee Nowruz, a carpenter who spent five years as a refugee in Pakistan, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"Just like my Pakistani friends, now I also have a vote. I'm happy that I can use this right." --Hossein Khan, an 18-year old Afghan refugee in Pakistan, Associated Press, 10/09/2004

"This election will help improve Afghanistan's international identity and give it a voice in the world." --Hussein Ali, a farmer, Associated Press, 10/09/2004