Presidential candidates Qayoum Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah and Dawoud Sultanzoi gathered in Kabul with supporters on Thursday to promote their campaigns and share their visions for Afghanistan.
Political parties and civil society institutions took the rallies as an opportunity to announce their endorsements. The Congress of the Islamic Movement of Afghanistan announced support for Abdullah Abdullah while the Civil Society Integration Network announced support for Qayoum Karzai.
In their speeches, Karzai, Abdullah and Dawoud Sultanzoi all emphasized the importance of implementing reforms and fighting the forces of oppression.
"Our government will pave the way for greater participation of women and youth in all spheres on the basis of professionalism and qualifications, without any type of discrimination, to settle the issue and boost economic growth," Karzai said.
Sultanzoi discussed poverty alleviation, and addressing economic inequality in Afghanistan.
"You can see the situation, it's unacceptable in this country: those who became billionaires plundered while the Afghan people live in this condition," Sultanzoi said. "We must change this, and the people of Afghanistan have a crucial role in this respect, a responsibility to refuse to accept this any furhter and to make a stand."
"We consider the upcoming elections an opportunity, but this opportunity can be gained only through your powerful hands," Abdullah added, speaking to the hundreds of supporters in the crowd.
The Presidential campagins are expected to last until April 2, just three days before the election day. Although most of the campaign activity has been focused in Kabul the first week, the candidates are expected to hit the road soon to visit cities around the country.