MONITORING (SW) – Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has called for preparations for a credible presidential election.
He said in a series of tweets that Afghans want peace above all else. “A peace process that delivers a political settlement is THE priority”, he tweeted in a bid to underline Washington’s priorities in Afghanistan. “But wanting peace does not preclude Afghans from demanding preparations for a credible presidential election. Election planning must go forward as we pursue the peace Afghans deserve”, he tweeted.
Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul welcomed the finalization of the Kabul parliamentary election results.
“We also note the decision of the IEC on May 10 to focus on voting methods that can realistically be implemented this year for the 2019 presidential election”, a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy said.
It urged the electoral commission to turn its attention to preparing for the September presidential election, including putting forward a budget request aligned with an appropriate operational plan, hiring and training sufficient staff to complete voter registration and preparations, and coordinating with the security ministries.
“The Afghan people deserve the opportunity to choose their next leadership through transparent elections in September. We are prepared to continue supporting this process. We now ask that Afghan authorities do their part to take the decisions and actions necessary to give the Afghan people their voice at the ballot box this year”, it said.
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