Lib Dem MEP Bowles pays tribute to Afghan people on landmark election

10.20.35am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 24th Aug 2009

Sharon Bowles shows solidarity with the voters of Afghanistan

Sharon Bowles, MEP for South East England, has praised the courage of the Afghan citizens who voted in Afghanistan's landmark second Presidential election yesterday.

In advance of the election many Afghan voters have faced intimidation and threats of violence. Suicide bombings occurred the day before the elections, and attacks on NATO and UN property. Meanwhile voters have witnessed threats from militants to cut off fingers stained with voting ink. Nevertheless there was a turnout of about 40 - 50%.

Sharon said: 'Today the Afghan people showed bravery in the face of extremism and violence as they voted in their millions.

'In an age of increasing voter apathy in Britain, we should ask ourselves if we would dare to vote if faced with death or mutilation as a consequence, as so many Afghans have done.'

Recent weeks have seen an increased death toll for British troops in Afghanistan, with more than 20 service personnel killed, bringing the British death toll past 200.

Sharon added: 'I also admire the bravery of our soldiers who have faced increased levels of danger in order to facilitate the holding of elections in Afghanistan.'

ENDS