Afghans elect women and ex-military leaders

FINAL results of Afghanistan’s legislative elections show several former commanders of military factions, three old Taliban officials, women activists and several ex-communists won seats in the new parliament.

The results of the September 18 vote for the 249-seat Wolesi Jirga and councils in all 34 provinces were finally released on Saturday, after being delayed by a slow count and accusations of vote fraud.

Chairman of the UN-Afghan Joint Electoral Management Body, Bissmillah Bissmil described the polls as a milestone in the country’s transition to democracy.