English | دری | پښتو
Kabul, August 20, 2009 – When the presidential race began there was a deep sense of skepticism as to whether the race would be open and whether any of the issues that the public really cares about would be discussed in debate.
Today we stand at a moment when the Afghan public has proven its capacity for a civil dialogue, a relentless focus on issues and search for solutions and a desire for weighing and judging the candidates through open public debate and discussion. As a nation we came virtually together both on July 23rd and on August 16th, and participated in a wide-ranging public discussion unmediated by political brokers or strongmen telling us what to think or feel.
The campaign has also had a negative side. The fifth most corrupt government in the world has shown that in its relentless desire for power it would hold no law sacred and violate all legal and constitutional norms. Bribery and use of government resources to secure the election of the incumbent has been the norm. Money has spoken loudly without revealing its sources and a shadow has been cast over the democratic process.
Despite the difficulties, we must focus on the highest national interest, which is the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. As evidence of fraud by various campaigns is documented, we must have the patience and maturity to submit the evidence to the relevant authorities, particularly the Election Complaints Commission. Our discussion of irregularities should use the media as a platform, not the street as an arena of struggle and consternation. We must understand that any threat to use force or actual use of force to question the results is likely to further destabilize an already fragile situation.
Our national duty lies in ensuring that we are going to end up with a legitimate outcome from a flawed process.
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