This is not the Afghanistan its people had hoped for when the Taliban regime was thrown out of the government and the international community enhanced its presence in this country and generously provided aids for its reconstruction and development. In the last decade, Afghanistan had to lay down strong foundations for a sustainable future development. Nonetheless, this country continues to remain highly instable and its achievements are greatly fragile.
With escalation of bad security and deterioration of political condition, hope for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is dying in the hearts of common Afghans and the public-government trust gap has widened like never before. The withdrawal plan of NATO troops is to put Afghanistan at further menace of economic downfall and return of Taliban government. The international commitment to support Afghanistan for a long term beyond 2014 and Afghanistan's strategic partnership agreements with a number of economically and politically strong countries are encouraging. Nonetheless, all those efforts will bear no sweet fruit for Afghanistan if the administration remains as corrupt and incapable as today.
To lead Afghanistan out of the chaos it is facing today, the next presidential election is being deemed as crucial. Afghanistan political parties and analysts urge for a fraud-free election and outside Afghanistan too there are resembling views.
The US Ambassador Nominee for Kabul James B Cunningham has said the coming Presidential election in 2014 is crucial for stability in Afghanistan.
While testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he said the international community has key role in ensuring smooth transfer of power in Afghanistan in 2014. He further said that key to Afghanistan's future stability will be a credible and inclusive presidential election in 2014, followed by a constitutional transfer of power.
President Karzai has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to a peaceful, constitutional transition of power at the end of his second term. All Afghans, whatever their gender, ethnicity or religion, have much to gain from a successful political transition, and the United States is committed to working with international partners to support the Afghans as they choose their next leader.
It seems the concerns of Afghan political opposition forces are being heard in the US. The call for restoration of credibility to the electoral process and transparent transfer of power is the most crucial part of a peaceful transition of the current process. The international community must make sure that a free, fair, transparent and independent election is held in 2014.
There are genuine concerns from political opposition groups in regarding President Karzai's pledges to ensure peaceful and transparent transfer of power. Though he has repeatedly promised he will not make attempts to remain in power, as constitution does not allow, but few are confident of those commitments.
If President Karzai attempts to manipulate constitution to change the conditions for two terms limit in Presidential office, it will mean our descent into chaos. Domestically, there are preparations and uncertainties about the 2014 polls. It is clear that without strong support — financial, technical, political and security — from the international community, it would be impossible for Afghanistan to hold peaceful elections for a smooth transition of power.
Only a transparent election and legitimate transfer of power can ensure stability. Any attempt by the current Palace dwellers to clench to power will mean widespread violence and eventual civil war. The international community must ensure peaceful transition of power strengthening the current democratic process.
Similar views were expressed by Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Congressional committee. He said that the US must start planning for the 2014 elections "now" to ensure that responsibility for the nation's security gets transferred to a legitimate government.
He said, "Ultimately, it is the political transition that will determine whether our military gains are sustainable and the strength and quality of the Afghan state we leave behind will be determined by that political transition. It is critical that Afghans must pick their leaders freely and fairly.
But we should make clear that we will only support a technical process that is transparent and credible. Selection of an accountable Independent Election Commission, transparency in new elections laws, and early preparation of voter lists are all critical steps for Afghans in order that they have a voice and choice in the election."