A prominent woman MP condemned the measure as a pre--election gesture to Shias, who make up an estimated 10 per cent of the population. "I think this law is a shame for us, approving such a law in the 21st century." said Shinkai Karokhial, an Afghan MP. "It's the same, what's the difference? They also had child marriages and polygamy and women were not allowed out. What's the difference?"