QALAT, Afghanistan, Oct. 22, 2004 — It was a cold, overcast day Oct. 9, but the people of Zabul province in southern Afghanistan braved the elements to cast their votes for president in Afghanistan's first democratic election in recorded history.

The boys' school in the center of Qalat bustled with men casting their votes for one of the candidates on the ballot.

In order to place their votes, the men had to show their voter registration cards and then have their thumbnails painted black to show they had performed their civic duty. Once they were handed their ballots with pictures of the different candidates, they went behind a curtain and cast their votes in private.

"Having elections is good for Afghanistan," said Malsoor Ahmad Farzam, a young Afghan election worker. "For years there has been fighting between people over who would be the best leader for the (country). Now, with the elections, we will not fight amongst ourselves. When we fight amongst ourselves there is no promotion. The election is our time to say, 'Let's not be separated. Let's be united and make us an important nation again.' "

Across town in the girls' school, women came together to cast their votes for the future president.

"This is a historical day, because it is for our future," said Nadgia, the head of women's voting for Zabul province. "This is a special day, because the women are coming to vote. Both the elderly women and young women are voting, because this is our future - because we are selecting the president. The ladies are coming to vote, because the future belongs to us - to us and our children. This is good for Afghanistan."

The efforts of a combination of Coalition forces ensured everyone was able to cast their vote safely. Security was a major factor in making the election day go smoothly, said Maj. Joe Walsh, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, executive officer.

The Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police

were responsible for security, while other Coalition assets stood by in the area. Remaining indirectly involved in the security allowed the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police the privilege of conducting the election process as a nation. The Afghan forces, with all the training they received prior to the election, proved more than capable of handling the situation.

"I'm very proud to be part of the election process," said Farzam. "This is a great day for Afghanistan."