Amidst the ongoing fight against insurgents by NATO forces, Afghanistan held historic presidential and provincial council elections on August 20. Some 5 million ballots were cast in the country’s second election since the U.S.-led overthrow of the Taliban in 2001. United Nations officials praised the Afghan people for conducting the elections in the face of Taliban threats to disrupt them with violence. Early results showed incumbent president Hamid Karzai leading chief rival Abdullah Abdullah, a former foreign minister. The U.S. envoy to Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, said the race is “too early to call,” with final tallies due in early September. The winner must gain a clear majority of the vote, or face a second-round runoff.
Voter turnout was around 35 percent, and there were accusations of widespread fraud and ballot-stuffing. The Afghan Electoral Complaints Commission is charged with investigating allegations of voting irregularities. Candidate Abdullah said he would not accept any outcome affected by major fraud.
NATO announced there were at least 400 insurgent attacks on election day. The extent of violence was not as bad as expected, however, according to the United Nations. A serious incident occurred on August 25, as a huge truck bomb killed 40 civilians and wounded 60 in Kandahar. Elsewhere, four U.S. soldiers were killed.
The elections represent an important test for Karzai’s government and for President Barack Obama‘s war strategy. In May Obama ordered U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan increased by more than 30,000 in a push to defeat the Taliban.
Photo: © David Bathgate/Corbis
Related Links
- Karzai Widens Lead in Afghan Poll
According to this BBC article, incumbent president Hamid Karzai leads balloting for president in Afghanistan, though results are far from complete.
(Source: BBC News, August 26, 2009) - Massive Car Bomb as Afghan Race Runs Tight
This Reuters article reports the worst incident of violence marring Afghanistan’s elections.
(Source: Reuters, August 25, 2009) - Statement by the Secretary General on Afghan Elections
Press release by the top official of NATO, which is fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, provides context for the elections; includes audio and video links.
(Source: North Atlantic Treaty Organization, August 20, 2009) - Security Council Lauds Holding of “Historic” Afghan Elections
Statement by the UN Security Council on the significance of Afghanistan’s August 20 elections.
(Source: UN News Centre, August 21, 2009) - Map of Afghanistan
Map from the University of Texas showing Afghanistan and neighboring countries in South-Central Asia. The country’s capital is Kabul.
(Source: University of Texas)
Critical Thinking Questions
- Summarize Read about the recent elections in Afghanistan. Describe the level of participation by Afghan voters and the extent of violence on election day.
- Make Inferences Why do you think both NATO and UN leaders considered it important that elections in Afghanistan be held, despite the ongoing war?
- Form and Support Opinions When attempts to hold democratic elections are accompanied by violence or intimidation, charges of fraud, or extremely low voter turnout, can the results still be considered valid?