The second parliamentary elections in Afghanistan are scheduled for 18th September 2010. More than 2,500 candidates are standing for election to 249 seats in 34 provinces, with a minimum of 25% of the seats reserved for women.
In the past nine years, three elections have been held in Afghanistan: two presidential elections in 2004 and 2009 and the first general election in 2005. All of them had serious deficits including the failure to investigate the accusations of past human rights violations by a number of the candidates, the failure to respond to citizens’ complaints, widespread rigging, and a gradual fall in the rate of popular participation. In particular, in all the previous elections, many men voted in place of their entire family and their community members. Many voters cast multiple votes as a result of the low quality ink used to mark their fingers in polling stations. Election observers and officials did not maintain their neutrality.
FIDH notes with concern that the General Election 2010 also faces major challenges:
* There has not been a proper population census in the country yet. Therefore, the exact number of the electorates is not known.
* Many people allegedly have more than one voting card. Latest reports indicate that a large number of fake voting cards have been printed in Pakistan and sent to Afghanistan.
* Failure of the authorities to report the reasons for disqualification of a number of candidates has reinforced the lack of transparency in the election procedure.
According to the Election Commission, 938 of the total 6,835 polling stations nationwide have been closed down for security reasons, according to the officials. However, some of those stations are located at secure and no-war zones.
FIDH calls upon the Government of Afghanistan to ensure a healthy, transparent and fair electoral process and guarantee the security of all candidates, especially female candidates, who have faced continuous threats and intimidation during the electoral process. In addition, the Election Commission and the Election Complaints Commission have a responsibility to investigate any reports or complaints on disturbances caused by some of the candidates and local chiefs in the election procedure, and take legal measures while informing the public accordingly. Furthermore, candidates must be given the opportunity to fully monitor the vote counting.
FIDH draws the attention of all parties and stakeholders to the attacks of the armed opposition groups against the candidates, their supporters and the Election Commission officials. These attacks illustrate the serious opposition of the Taliban groups to the Constitution, the rule of law and the people of Afghanistan. FIDH notes that as long as they have not laid down their arms and joined the political precess, negotiations with them remain questionable.
FIDH calls upon the international community, in particular the UN bodies and UNAMA, as well as donors of Afghanistan to closely monitor and contribute to the holding of transparent and fair elections in Afghanistan. "The role of the international community is more than crucial. Efforts to establish complete transparency and to hold healthy elections are the first step, but more is needed in order to promote democracy in Afghanistan and guarantee the rule of law. The authorities should combat corruption, bring to justice the war criminals as soon as possible and provide access to justice for victims of gross violations of human rights. Impunity must not prevail in Afghanistan, as it will seriously compromise the foundations of peace and democracy," said Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President.
For further information, please contact:
FIDH: Karine Appy/Fabien Maitre : + 33 1 43 55 25 18