After a three year delay, Afghanistan finally held parliamentary elections this year. This is a welcome change, for a country unable to legitimise its government’s rule due to the Taliban’s presence. This year marks another important moment for nascent Afghan democracy, as a record of 417 women out of 2500 candidates contested the elections across the country. This is an increase from the last elections on 2010, where there were 400 female candidates out of 2,600 candidates in total. They competed for 250 seats in the lower house of the parliament, out of which 27 percent seats are reserved for women. It is vital to remember, that these Afghan women are unlike any other female candidates contesting elections anywhere in the world. Given the state of affairs in Afghanistan for the past decades, the country and its people have displayed unparalleled mettle, resilience and perseverance. Even this time, the Afghan Taliban, had made its distaste for the democratic process clear. Spokesperson for the Taliban, Zaibullah Mujahid stated before the elections that “People who are trying to help in holding this process successfully by providing security should be targeted and no stone should be left unturned for the prevention and failure [of the election]”. Moreover the independent Election Commission, has noted the killing of 10 electoral candidates since July, and despite the high turnout, there were bouts of violence across the nation. The Taliban cannot fathom the inclusion of women in the public space. Let alone, their involvement in policy and governance. However, this did not dissuade these female candidates advocating for a democratic Afghanistan. Zakia Wardak a candidate, said that the Taliban and their violence does not scare her, as “she has seen it all.” Her father, brother and husband have all been murdered in their struggle, in the past years. Which, fuels her passion; for a peaceful liberal Afghanistan and catering to the trauma, war and poverty stricken nation. Similarly, across the nation young female candidates are on the rise. 27-year old Pashtana Arabzai a TV anchor, 26-year old Sabri Andar; a disabled candidate from Kabul among others, were also contesting. For these women, they campaigned on a simple manifesto, ‘women are less corrupt than men’. Perhaps one of the clearly feminist claims made by any group of women across the world; establishing the relationship between efficient, honest governance and the female gender. Reportedly voter turn-out stands at 45 percent, out of which an astounding 33 percent, were women voters. Making it clear that Afghan women are set to participate in Afghanistan’s future. While these elections may not solve the larger issues facing Afghanistan, we wish the best to our neighbours. * Published in Daily Times, October 22nd 2018.