With Afghanistan’s presidential and provincial elections just one month away, hopes for free and fair elections depend heavily on the full inclusion of women in the ongoing political process. Afghanistan’s future may rest on the peaceful transition of political power, but the April 5th elections will also prove a critical test of the nation’s commitment to preserve the more recently secured rights and freedoms of Afghan women, rights some fear are already being eroded and rolled back.
To achieve a successful outcome in the 2014 elections, the participation and protection of Afghan women at the polls and on the ballot must remain a top priority.
