The world must stand by Afghan democracy

The international community welcomed the unprecedented participation of Afghans in the recent Presidential election, writes Rohullah.

This is the first time in the war-torn country's political history when power is transferred from one elected president to the next.

This election was also the first in which Afghans themselves were responsible for its organisation and security provision.

It was an entirely Afghan affair, and an enormous challenge.

The Taliban did all they could to disrupt the process. They attacked key government institutions related to the election; killed dozens of innocent civilians, among whom were foreign aid workers and journalists.

The campaign went on without any major disruption. The candidates took part in many TV debates, visited provinces and districts where their supporters had rallied in their thousands.

Millions of Afghans have access to social media. Facebook and Twitter were awash with Afghans voicing support for their preferred candidate and often mocking and insulting their opponents.

In the midst of the election fever and excitement, there remained a deep-seated worry and pessimism whether the Afghan government, the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) or the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the police force were up to the task.

After all, according to Transparency International, Afghanistan remains at the top of the world's most corrupted states. The day before the election, the excitement was reaching its climax.

The stage was set for the Afghans to choose their country's future direction. Many were excited that they could vote president Hamid Karzai out. He, who had repeatedly offended the majority of Afghans by calling the Taliban his 'brothers'.

Even Prime Minister David Cameron sent a tweet in Persian urging Afghans to go to the polls – albeit with some spelling mistakes. Millions of Afghans defied the Taliban threats and lined up by their local polling stations. Many waited hours before they could cast their votes. Soon the complaints emerged, there were too many voters for the available ballot papers.

The ballot paper shortages caused outrage and anger, and failed voters holding their voter ID cards protested angrily outside the polling stations.

Those who had succeeded proudly uploaded pictures of their inked fingers on social media. Soon the nation and its media were gripped by national emotions. They were joyously surprised by the large turnout, especially of women. They were relieved that the Taliban had not been able to materialise their threats. They were impressed by the strength and commitment of their security forces for keeping them safe.

As the polling stations closed, Afghans hailed the day as a historic and monumental success. Soon the congratulatory statements from President Obama and other world leaders followed.

The people of Afghanistan had passed their big test with flying colours.

The election results will not be fraud-free. But the Afghan people proved their determination that they want their fate shaped by the ballot boxes. Amid all the dangers, they went out in their millions and voted for democracy. They demonstrated that they are tired of war and all the evils which come with it. As one political activist told me: "We know this alone won't solve Afghanistan's many serious problems, but today feels so amazing, far better than Eid"

Afghanistan faces numerous serious challenges. Its immediate challenge is peaceful power transfer from Karzai to his successor. The West must support the transition of power once the election results are known.

This is the best way to safeguard the hard-earned gains for which the West has paid so much blood and treasure.

By their participation in a democratic process, Afghans proved that they want to be ruled by democracy. They rejected the tyranny of the Taliban. The world must stand by them."