Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

2014 Election Scenario Repeat Unacceptable: Abdullah

2014 Election Scenario Repeat Unacceptable: Abdullah

KABUL - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah has said a repetition of the 2014 presidential election scenario is unacceptable and no government institution has the right to work for or against a presidential hopeful.
Addressing a gathering at the Sapedar Palace regarding spreading awareness among women about election, the CEO said the presence of women in election was vital and important.
He said the upcoming election might be challenging but everyone should perform hi/her responsibility to have free and fair elections.
About rigging and other electoral fraud, Abdullah said a repetition of the catastrophe following the last presidential elections was not acceptable for citizens and no government institution possessed the right to work in benefit of a certain candidate.
Abdullah said Afghanistan’s stability and welfare was connected with election and there was no other option barring election. “Even those who did not believe in elections now see it the only way forward.”
Hawa Alam Nuristani, head of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), said women possessed higher ranks in IEC and they played a vital role in running the electoral body’s affairs.
She said a greater presence of women in polls could ensure transparency and fairness. “Greater participation of women in last elections showed that women were more concerned about their future and aware of the current situation more than anyone else,” she said.
Women Affairs Minister Dilbar Nazari saidparticipation of women in election meant supporting democracy, rule of law and human rights.
She said women awareness programs would be conducted in 224 districts of the country which would enhance women’s awareness regarding participation in elections.
Perri Mayidin, ambassador of the European Union, termed the meeting as vital at a time when the presidential elections were approaching.
“We witnessed a great progress and development in election and the peace process and we witnessed a huge participation of women in recent Qatar meeting, which enhanced expectations that the people of Afghanistan will witness credible elections and peace in the country,” he said.
The envoy added women’s participation in last year’s election was unsatisfactory and hoped in future polls more women would be able to participate.
Women participation in election was meant empowerment of democracy, people empowerment and respect to human rights. (Pajhwok)