Its not often in recent years that there has been a carnival type atmosphere in the Helmand district of Sangin.
Internationally Sangin is known for the large number of ISAF casualties – 100 British, and many US Marine deaths since they took over the battlefield in 2010. But this week saw a unique event take place, over 2000 elders and other notables took part in a secret ballot to elect a District Community Council to represent the people of Sangin.
Coming from all over Sangin, these people had already made the trip to the District Centre three weeks previously to register for the election. This interaction with Government is very encouraging and gives hope for the future.
As is obvious from the smiles in the photos, being able to vote is welcomed by the people of Sangin, for whom this is a novel experience
One female registered to vote and stood for election on the council. In a unique situation for Helmand she was voted in by men from her community. There is only one other DCC which has female members, Gereshk, the most liberal of all the Helmand districts. Most districts in Helmand, certainly the northern districts, women do not appear in the streets and certainly do not take part in local politics.
As we move more and more into transition it was good to see that all the security for the event was conducted by ANSF, working to a plan, the ANA, the ANP and the NDS all played their part in forming a comprehensive security solution which ensured there were no security incidents on the day.