I am very frustrated by the situation in our country with the presidential election. It has been four months since the first round of the elections, people are facing many challenges with security, unemployment and a lack of jobs, demonstrations and protests, road blockages and economic problems. How much longer will this go on?

Some blame the mismanagement of our government and others blame people who are trying to destroy the democratic elections process. Afghanistan is our country. How can they bring disgrace into their own home?

The presidential election in April was my first time voting. I cannot forget that moment—how excited I was. The town where I voted was a safe and secure place to vote and happily I only saw transparency and normal voting without fraud. I had a great feeling of responsibility and honesty.

I voted for Mr. Ashraf Ghani. Because he is Pashtun and I am Tajik I wanted to put ethnic issues second. He is bright-minded and I believe his plans for our country in many ways can create positive changes in the future. He is a thoughtful man and he has a lot of regard for the education system. And he has a good background, not a spoiled past.

I participated in the election and encouraged others to take part because we are the younger generation of our country. I cannot say that the future of the country will be in our hands, but I can say, “Let’s do something now. Let’s not give up.” I remember that slogan, “The race is not over because I haven’t won yet!”

In the first election Dr. Abdullah Abdullah got more votes but in the second round he got fewer votes, and he held a press conference where he claimed there had been voting fraud. Now there is a recount. People must have patience. Protests waste time. Let the government commissions do their best by observing Afghan law and let the international community help to create a civil society.

If people stop thinking about their own benefit, I am sure they can accept the results of this election. We want a peaceful and stable Afghanistan where we can stand on our own feet and everyone’s purpose should be of service to our nation.

But these four months have made us vulnerable. Schools and universities have had forced holidays and we have lost good projects that could have helped the Afghan people. But we appreciate the visit by America’s foreign minister who was a key leader in solving the dispute.

We must pray for a better situation in Afghanistan. Long live our country.

By Sayara