As the date for the complete withdrawal of the international troops is getting nearer, worries regarding different spheres of life are also getting more serious. One of the greatest factors that would decide the future of Afghanistan's political setup is the 2014 election. Afghanistan, in order to move towards a true democratic society, needs to pay proper attention to this election and make sure it is free, fair and transparent.

The main worries regarding election include the schedule of election – whether it would be possible to have election on schedule; the amendments and improvements in the election system so as to make it fair and free and possibility of the re-election of President Karzai for the third term.

In a very recent interview with Time Magazine, President Karzai has once again vehemently rejected the notion that he would contest for the third term and said he would opt the life of a common citizen. He also ensured that he would not only leave the presidency, but will support the elected president.

Answering to the questions relevant to the same matter, he emphasized, "I think two terms is a very long time. You need fresh energy, you need fresh thinking, someone with more...untested ideas should come forward and build on what we could not improve upon.

He also mentioned that it would be illegitimate if he remained president for even a single more day after the completion of his term. He said, "It will not help Afghanistan, it will hurt it forever. I don't want to be the president of Afghanistan one day beyond my term." He also revealed it in the interview that he was working to find out a successor - "I am busy working on this question, this is one of my jobs, one of my perhaps most important responsibilities." He said that he would find a person who will be an Afghan, — a patriot, good to the Afghan people and tough with Afghanistan's allies. "He must be good to the Afghan people and kind to them and tough with our allies," he added.

Commenting on his life after the presidency he said he would not remain political even, "If you mean by politics someone who tries to have issues raised and issues created and to be involved, no. I'll be an ex-president of Afghanistan, where if I can work as a citizen for furthering the stability and well being of the Afghan people… If by political, you mean interventionist, no, I will not do that.

I will support the president. I know what it takes to be the president of Afghanistan in these conditions. I know the pressures on the president. It will be much less than what it is today, but I will understand his environment, and from that background that I have gained, I will be a great supporter of the president, and I will advise people to make his life easier and to help him."

These statements clearly depict that President Karzai does not have the intention to contest the 2014 election; not at least now. The important thing is that the President should remain committed to these statements if a better future for a democratic Afghanistan is intended. Moreover, the other issues relevant to elections should also be addressed appropriately.

Elections have very decisive role in the democratic political systems. The regularity and transparency of elections provide a strong foundation to the pillars of democracy. Unfortunately, the political system of our country has certain disadvantages in this regard.

There have not been a very rich history of regular elections in Afghanistan and the ones that have been carried out have not been comprehensive enough. The last of the elections – the Afghan presidential and provincial council elections held in 2009, were widely characterized as marred by lack of security, violence, extremely low voter turnout, and widespread ballot stuffing, intimidation, and other electoral fraud. A total of 2,800 complaints were received by the Election Complaints Commission (ECC), with the largest proportion concerning indiscretion at the poll, which included ballot box stuffing and voter intimidation. 

By looking at what has happened so far regarding elections, it is not difficult to foresee the 2014 elections. The doubts have appeared mostly because of the intersection of the deadline of international troop's withdrawal and the election schedule and the emphasis of President Karzai to change the election schedule.

There are many who doubt that Afghan security forces will be able to shoulder the security responsibilities and will, as a result, provide ready ground for elections and, at the same time, there are many who believe that the preponement of the elections may provide President Karzai a chance to contest in 2014 elections.

A free and fair election is not possible through mere verbal insistence; it has to be achieved through practical efforts. Few months earlier, President Karzai appointed five of his supporters as new commissioners of the Independent Election Commission and there have been efforts on government's part to keep the international community distant from the process.

But in his interview mentioned above, President Karzai answering to a question regarding the involvement of foreign embassies and organizations, said, "Well, they tried, but they did it badly. They did damage our elections.. damage to the reputation of our elections and legitimacy of the process at that time.

That makes me think as to what their intention is in this country. That is why we are so careful now. That is why we are so suspicious, that is why we are turning every stone to find out if there is something else in the corner waiting for us, of that nature." However, even with so many confirmations of President Karzai it is difficult to believe that everything will go right under the supervision of Afghan authorities alone.

It is really important to address the election issues appropriately through practical measures. In addition, it must be taken care of that election schedule is not disturbed. To strengthen election system it must be made sure that improvements are brought in the polling systems that can help the people of Afghanistan participate without complications in the elections and have their true representatives in parliament.

Moreover, there are margins of improvements in the arbitration system and voter registrations. Authorities have to bring more innovations in this regard and make sure that maximum number of people participates in elections. Above all, the rampant corruption must not be allowed by the Afghan government and the supporting countries and organizations to ruin the elections.