Governor Khirullah Anosh says the shooting took place today outside his office in the town of Aibak in Samangan province. About 300 people had gathered for the protest.
Anosh says the protest was organized by Asif Azimi, an ex-senator from the region who saw his candidacy for next year's provincial council elections rejected by the authorities because of standing criminal accusations against him.
The governor says some among the protesters waved the white Taliban flag.