Malalai Joya: "Don't be fooled by this democratic façade – the people are betrayed"

Malalai Joya, the bravest woman in Afghanistan speaks out AFP/GETTY IMAGES

In hiding and in fear of her life, the Afghan MP and women’s rights campaigner says the warlords have already won

Today, at Malalai Joya’website is her statement given to the Independent. Her opening remarks:

Like millions of Afghans, I have no hope in the results of today’s election. In a country ruled by warlords, occupation forces, Taliban terrorists, drug money and guns, no one can expect a legitimate or fair vote. Even international observers have been speaking about widespread fraud and intimidation and, among the people on the street, there is a common refrain: the real winner has already been picked by the White House.

President Hamid Karzai has cemented alliances with brutal warlords and fundamentalists in order to maintain his position. Although our constitution forbids war criminals from running for office, the incumbent has named two notorious militia commanders as his vice-presidential running mates – Karim Khalili and Mohammad Qasim Fahim, both of whom stand accused of brutalities against our people.

Deals have also been made with countless fundamentalists. This week saw the return from exile of the dreaded warlord Rashid Dostum. And the pro-Iranian extremist Mohammad Mohaqiq, who has been accused of war crimes, has been promised five cabinet positions for his party in exchange for supporting Mr Karzai.

Rather than democracy, what we have in Afghanistan are back-room deals among discredited warlords who are sworn enemies of democracy and justice.

The President has also continued to absolutely betray the women of Afghanistan.

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(Ed. Note: In celebration of Women’s Equality Day (August 26), please go and buy a copy of Malalai’s book Raising My Voice at your local bookstore)