Multi-colored kites filled the sky above a Polling Centre in Wazir Ahkbar Khan flown by children who are enjoying a day off. President Hamid Karzai declared the 18 of September, 2005 a national holiday in honor of the holding of the Wolesi Jirga and Provincial Councils elections.

With just one half hour left to get in a queue to cast ballots, voters are still lining up to have their say in these elections.

Coming out of a Polling Station in Kunduz, Marzia, 19, said, “I feel courageous. With the coming of peace in my country and as an Afghan citizen, now I have the right to make a decision for the future of my own country. My best memory of today is seeing all the people of my country come together without ethnic identities, without discrimination, to decide the future for themselves and their country — everybody came to vote, even the disabled.”

The 70-year-old blind tailor Mohommad Hasan was led through the voting process by his 12-year-old grandson, Ghulam Hasan.

“This is a wonderful day for Afghanistan,” Mohammad Hasan, a 70-year old blind tailor, said as he was led through the polling station by his 12,year old grandson.

“All I want is peace and a peaceful life for my grandchildren. If we work hard we can solve our problems.” He predicted that the life of his grandson would not be as hard as the life he has had. Democracy means that we will solve our problems by talking, not fighting – that is my hope.”

Many voters shared the hopes of Mr. Hasan – women in particular.

“One of the responsibilities of a parliament is to pass laws,” said Mariam, a voter in Kabul. “I think female representatives in particular will focus first on laws that combat discrimination against women. We feel that we are fighting for equality, our rights, human rights.”

First-time voters were particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to vote in today’s elections. “I am very excited,” said a female voter in at Alai Hugh School Polling Centre in Nangarhar province. “This is the first time in my life that I am voting and today I will vote for my favorite candidate.”

A woman in line behind her echoed her sentiments. “I thought this day would never come,” she said. “I can hardly believe that I am here ready to vote.”

A large number of the voters who turned out at Malalai High School Polling Centre in Kabul were first time voters as well. Several had turned 18 since the 2004 Presidential election in Afghanistan.

“I am sure that the youth will get out and vote,” said Nilofar, 18. “They are very motivated and excited about these elections and they are very opened-minded. The power of this country is the youth. They’ll vote for candidates they identify with and trust.”

Aziza, an 18 year-old voter in Sar-i-Pul, Aziza, embodied this sentiment. “I wanted to vote for the person who knew and understood the law very well,” she said. “The candidate should be for the people and not for just themselves. They must service the Afghan people properly when in the Parliament.”

As the Polling Centres prepare to close, they will remain open to allow those who were in the queue by 4pm the opportunity to vote.