The common American vision of Afghanistan is bleak: dusty streets, war, and rampant oppression.

But hidden in this dire picture, little glimmers of hope are to be found.

One of these is Habiba Sarabi.

She is the current Minister of Woman’s Affairs -but  she may be in line for a promotion.

In the upcoming national elections, Presidential candidate Zalmay Rassoul has chosen her as one of his running mates. She is one of 300 women who are running for provisional council seast around the country.

“[Women] are very surprised, they are very happy – they couldn’t imagine that a woman can be a leader, the third highest position in the country” 

It appears women candidates, women’s issues and women voters will play a major role in this weekend’s first round of elections.

Despite the promise for change, people are being very cautious in their optimism. 

 The Taliban has vowed to disrupt the election… with violence.

Already, two journalists have been the target of their attacks. In the past, women have been prevented from voting in the conservative, rural, areas of Afghanistan.

In response, the government has hired  13,000 more female security guards to help in the voting proceedings.

Until Sunday though, we’re going to have to wait (patiently…? Maybe) to see the first results of what promises to be an historic election.