For ordinary Afghans, conflict and terror pose a daily, existential threat. Just this week, a suicide bomber attacked a demonstration in Kabul, killing at least six innocent people in a move claimed by Daesh. In this fragile context, it is easy to take a pessimistic position on the country’s hopes for democratic reform as it prepares for the presidential election due next year. But, in spite of the violence and all the challenges, it is important to highlight the bravery and collective actions of the ordinary Afghan people — both those who peacefully protested in Kabul this week and the millions of Afghans who turned out to exercise their democratic right to vote in last month’s parliamentary election. More than 2,500 candidates stood in the election: That’s 10 for every seat. These polls should have been held when the current assembly’s five-year term ended in 2015. But the standoff after the disputed 2014 presidential election changed all that, bringing the country to the brink of civil war. More than 60 percent of Afghans are under 25 years old, so for many the recent elections were their first opportunity to vote, defying deadly attacks to cast their ballot. During the most recent campaigning, 10 candidates were murdered and, on election day itself, dozens were killed in incidents across the country. Preliminary results are expected this month and the final turnout is expected to be strong. An estimated 3 million out of 8.8 million registered voters cast ballots during the main event. Overwhelmingly, people were undeterred by the failed attempts of violent groups to stop the ballot. All this is to say nothing of the candidates themselves, who currently wait whilst the votes are counted. For those who hope for change from the status quo of established politicians, there is a silver lining in the many young, educated candidates who stood; among them former journalists, entrepreneurs and government employees. Steps are also being taken toward greater gender equality — a record number of more than 400 women stood as candidates in a symbol of the progress being made. There is a constitutional guarantee of 68 seats — 27 percent of the total — for women MPs, regardless of their vote share. Hopefully in future we will see equal representation across the board. But, for now, the decision of these women to stand up for democracy, despite the failed attempts to derail the election, underscores a deep belief in the urgency of protecting and further advancing women’s rights in the country. Despite the challenges faced by this developing democracy — a combination of terrorist threats, logistical problems and delays, and with the Taliban controlling up to 70 percent of the country’s territory — the parliamentary election has undoubtedly been a step in the right direction toward a stable and self-sustaining state. For those who hope for change from the status quo of established politicians, there is a silver lining in the many young, educated candidates who stood; among them former journalists, entrepreneurs and government employees. Rabia Nasimi There is strong ambition to usher in a more legitimate parliament to replace a discredited assembly and try to move toward presidential elections and Taliban peace talks. The challenge for Afghan officials and security forces is huge but, with NATO’s Resolute Support Mission promising to provide backup as and when requested, and with registration, candidacy and turnout on the up, there is a real chance of progress toward citizens’ dreams of a better life, jobs, education and an end to the war. Some sources are skeptical that next year’s presidential vote will be able to take place alongside peace talks with the Taliban. However, it is important that the timeframe is upheld. Committing to the presidential election builds on the renewed hope and resilience — encapsulated in their pledge to vote — of Afghanistan’s brave population. They continue to defy the odds to stand up for our country’s future freedom. This is the democratic spirit that we must support and nurture as Afghanistan takes steps toward peace. Rabia Nasimi is Strategic Development Manager at the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), a London-based charity that helps refugees integrate in the UK. Twitter: @RabiaNasimi Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News" point-of-view