The Chief Executive Officer of National Unity government, Abdullah Abdullah, warned that recurrence of the 2014 presidential election crisis cannot be tolerated, stressing that no government organization has the right to work in favor or against any presidential runner.
Speaking at gathering on women participation in election process on Monday, Abdullah said that election would face some challenges, but all should play constructive role in holding free and fair election.
He considered women participation in election crucial, saying their role does not mean support for any hopeful and provincial directorates of women affairs should refrain from acting in favor of any candidate since everyone has the right to vote for contender of their choice.
Referring to fraud in the 2014 election, the CEO said that Afghans cannot afford repeat of the crisis and no government entity has the right to campaign for any presidential runner.
“Holding fair election strengthens the base of Afghanistan and we have got no choice but to go for election. Even those don’t believe in the polls have no way other than accepting elections,” Abdullah stressed.
In the meantime, head of the Independent Election Commission, Hawa Alam Nooristani, said women play important and deciding role in the electoral body, adding that women involvement in the process can help in holding free and fair election.
“Women’s active participation in previous election showed that they feel responsibility about their own fate and women are concerned more than anyone else, so they played constructive role in the vote,” Nooristani stated.
Cooperation from political parties, civil society, candidates and inclusive participation of voters are necessary for free and fair election, she added.
Talking to the same gathering, Minister of Women Affairs, Delbar Nazari, said voting and engagement in election means support to the law, democracy and human rights.
She said that public awareness programs are being held in 224 districts of the country’s 34 provinces which will increase women’s participation in election.
This comes as some political figures and analysts accuse President Ghani of misusing public funds for election campaign. Rahmatuallah Nabi, former spy chief and a presidential runner, told a gathering last week in northern Balk province that Ghani financing his presidential bid from public funds.
