A group of protesting candidates on Tuesday gathered near the US embassy in Kabul where they reiterated their call on the Afghan government to hear their voices and address their demands regarding the “widespread fraud” in their constituencies during the October 20 parliamentary elections which were marred by major allegations of rigging and meddling. 

The all-women candidates’ group recently submitted a number of documents and evidence about alleged fraud in the parliamentary elections to relevant institutions but they said that they have heard nothing in response. 

They said that the Afghan government did not bother to hear their voice, hence, they have gathered near the embassy so that the US ambassador hears their voice.

“We are disappointed with our government, but we the female candidates, have now gathered near the US embassy to raise our voice,” a protesting candidate Dewa Niazi said. 

“America brought democracy in Afghanistan and has the responsibility to support it,” said Farzana Farahmand, a protesting candidate. 

“No one heard our voice. Police raided on us three times. Our sisters were wounded and this is in contravention of the law,” said Sediqa Mubariz, a protesting candidate. 

The candidates who belong to 12 provinces started their sit-in protest three months ago. But on July 4, security forces removed their set-in camp while they were on hunger strike. The candidates claimed that they were 'mistreated' by security forces.