KABUL (SW) – The Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan on Sunday expressed concerns over lack of clarity in terms of government’s priority for polls and peace process.
Yosuf Rasheed, chief executive FEFA, told Salam Watandar that the government’s stance in terms of the proposed polls is in clash with the peace process that has caused concerns. He said the proposed peace deal ahead of the polls scheduled for September is also unlikely.
This comes as one of the Taliban’s Qatar office leaders, Abbas Stanikzai, told a Japanese media outlet they would not consider any polls legitimate in the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Muhib Sharif, analyst on political affairs, downplayed the Taliban’s opposition towards elections in the presence of foreign troops. He said the international community and the Afghan government are trying hard to reach a peace deal ahead of the polls, however, if the deal is not reached, elections are eminent.
Another Kabul-based political commentator, Akbar Jan Polad, said Pakistan has influenced all decisions by the Taliban, and Afghans must unite against such foreign meddling. He feared the dreadful history of former president Dr. Najibullah would be repeated if elections did not take place.
This comes as Washington has expressed optimism a peace deal would be signed before the September elections.
The Independent Election Commission too has expressed readiness for the polls.
ENDS