Announcement

Religious Scholars Promote the Democratic Process

USAID and Counterpart International broadcast six radio roundtables with Ulema.

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Friday, July 31, 2009

Photo: USAID/IPACS

Ulema discuss democracy and elections during a radio roundtable.

Building a strong, inclusive civil society in Afghanistan requires the participation and support of diverse communities, including its religious leaders.  In particular, the Ulema (religious scholars) are a vital component of Afghan society, and their opinions are very influential.  As traditional agents of change at the local level, Ulema can educate followers and eliminate misperceptions held by the general public regarding civil society, the government, and women’s rights.

Throughout the spring and summer, USAID and Counterpart International conducted and aired six radio roundtables with Ulema to discuss civil society, democracy, women’s role in society, and the upcoming elections.  RTA Radio One broadcast the roundtables, which reached audiences in Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.

During the roundtable held on June 22, the invited scholars emphasized the importance of public participation in a fair and transparent election. One of the participants, Mawlawi Mohammed Sediq, explained, “Prophet Mohammed set an excellent precedent for Muslims by not choosing his successor but letting his followers elect his successor by majority consent.” The invited Ulema also mentioned that both eligible men and women have equal rights to vote.  Opinions such as Mr. Sediq’s have reached many of his fellow citizens through radio, supporting democracy and the growth of a strong civil society in Afghanistan.