In Afghanistan, when people talk about the country’s problems, many say, “If this person comes to power, everything will get better.”
Why are we always looking for a strong leader instead of strong laws?
One reason is that our people have rarely seen the law applied equally to everyone.
For example, when a powerful person breaks the law, nobody holds them accountable. But when an ordinary person does the same thing, they get punished.
Or when someone needs something from a government office, instead of following the normal process, they try to find someone with connections to help them.
When people see this happening, they naturally lose trust in the law and turn to powerful individuals for help.
But that is exactly where the problem begins. If we put all our hopes in one leader, what happens when that leader is gone?
In Afghanistan, we have seen governments come and go, but many of our basic problems remain the same.
I believe Afghanistan does not just need a good president. We need laws that even the president cannot ignore.
The law should protect the rights of the people, not the power of leaders.
In the end, I have one question:
If your favorite leader becomes president of Afghanistan tomorrow, and the law prevents that leader from making a certain decision, would you stand with the law or with your leader?
Your answer to this question shows how much you truly believe in the rule of law.
Noor Wodjouatt
