We voted to win
Even though they killed
Many of our innocent compatriots
We voted for the hope
of a better future and government
We voted to win
They are against humanity
democracy
elections
peace
They do not want us
to choose parliament
but we continue voting
continue our peaceful ways
until the end of our lives
Afghans showed their valor
Like long ago
When their fingers were cut (off?)
They still voted
Old and young
were visible in lines
at the voting boxes
Even those with no legs
in wheelchairs
came to vote
We voted to win
The great numbers
of people who came out
on election day
showed that Afghans want
a new parliament
a new government
We voted to win
Even though
there were irregularities
long lines
difficulties with voting machines
Still, people said NO to terrorism
and violence despite threats
Afghans participated
in the national process
Because we vote to win
Because we are united
We are not Hazara, Tajik,
Uzbek or Pashtun.
We are Afghans
and humans
which we showed
on election day
Only by being united
are we more powerful
Discrimination, depravity
and separation
are causes of ruin
among nations
among Afghans
But we voted to win.
About the Author: Gulchaman Rahmani is a graduate of Kabul Medical University where she studied stomatology. She is also a Star Educational Society alumna.
CHADARI 