India congratulates Afghan people for enthusiastic participation in parliamentary polls

India Sunday congratulated the people of Afghanistan for their "enthusiastic" participation in the parliamentary elections, notwithstanding terrorists attacks in various parts of the country.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said spirited participation of Afghan people, including women, in the democratic process, despite terrorist violence, was a "testament" of their resilience.

It said the elections in Afghanistan reflected people's desire and faith in democratic governance and rejection of the evil forces that foment and spread terror and violence.

Afghanistan witnessed series of terror attacks and widespread violence in the run up to the long-awaited parliamentary elections held on Saturday and Sunday. The Taliban opposed the polls and vowed to disrupt them.

"India congratulates the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for exercising their democratic rights at parliamentary elections held today. The enthusiastic participation of people, including the women, despite terrorist violence is testament of resilience of the people of Afghanistan," the MEA said.

It said India supported the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a "peaceful, stable, united, inclusive and prosperous nation".

"We hope that these elections would contribute to strengthening of democratic institutions and deepen inclusive democratic system in Afghanistan," the MEA said in a statement.

India also complimented the Afghan government, the country's election commission and security forces for facilitating holding of the elections.

"The National Unity Government, the Indepedent Election Commission and the Security forces of Afghanistan deserve appreciation for creating enabling environment and organising these elections despite numerous challenges," the MEA said.

According to Independent Election Commission's (IEC) initial figures, around three million people risked their lives to vote on Saturday - many waiting hours for polling centres to open - despite scores of militant attacks.

Nearly nine million voters registered for the parliamentary election.

Elections will be held in the southern province of Kandahar on October 27 after the vote was suspended following Thursday's assassination of a powerful police chief.