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"Afghanistan's traditional male-dominated culture prohibits women from leaving their walled homes to shop &madash; let alone work or run for public office — unless they're accompanied by close male relatives and wearing burqas.
"It's also been harder for women to raise campaign money. Local powerbrokers want resources directed to men and have pressured female candidates' families to deny them money and other aid, said Raissa Tatad-Hazell of the U.S.-based National Democratic Institute, a nonprofit group that works to support democratic practices and institutions.
"Still, she said, it's a sign of progress that there are 78 more female candidates this year than there were in 2005, when 328 women competed.
"'There is an increased level of commitment and enthusiasm,' Tatad-Hazell said. 'For women to come out in such numbers, they must know what the office stands for.'"