Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai’s second Vice President, Sarwar Danish, in his own words made it clear to the public that “no one has the right to hold the people of Afghanistan hostage,” speaking at an event honoring Martyr’s Week held at the Loya Jirga tent in Kabul on Saturday.

Danish emphasized that the needs of the public must be addressed and given attention to; instead the interests of individuals have overcome those of the nation, illustrating that the people of the country are being held like hostages. 

“We will only accept the election process and the votes of the people. Nothing else,” Danish said. “Any decision made outside these two factors will not be acceptable. We do not have the right to hold the public hostage.”

The creation of the national unity government in Afghanistan, according to Danish, is very critical for the future of the country. He said that there should “not be a need for a political agreement”, the idea of a national unified government should be something politicians and other officials should join hands in, in the interest of the nation and its people.

“The formation of the national unity government does not need a political agreement, it needs all groups to join hands and participate for a better tomorrow.”

Ahmad Zia Massoud, a member of Ghani’s electoral team, also spoke at the event stressing upon national interest and the damaging effects of the prolonged presidential elections. Massoud said for the country to move forward the “social and political evolution of the country should not be sacrificed for personal interests.”

Ghani’s rival, Abdullah Abdullah and his electoral team have said that they do not want tension to mount during a crucial period in the election process and in efforts to steer away far from issues both teams are working together to come up with a solution.

“In such situations we should not talk negativity and add to the existing tensions,” Syed Hussain Alimi Balkhi, member of Abdullah’s camp, explained. “We should try and solve the problems at hand.”

Months have gone by and a president has not been elected, a deal for the formation of the national unity government has not been brokered and those suffering from the drawn out elections are the ordinary people of the country.