Peace talks, security challenges and unwieldiness of presidential candidates had overshadowed election campaigns. On the one hand, the electioneering was not as vibrant as in previous elections and on the other hand, the focus of the presidential tickets was more on lambasting rival teams than telling people about their platforms. Instead of talking about reasons and points distinguishing them from each other, the election tickets resorted to blame game and highlighting each other’s weaknesses. Unfortunately, none of the teams managed to outline any specific, notable policies. The election campaign period is nearing an end as Afghan people are still not well aware of the policies and plans of presidential teams for the country’s future, peace, security, economy, and prosperity, which are campaigning to assume the country’s leadership.
For now, security is the main challenge before the election, disenfranchising millions of people across the country. In addition to areas where polling stations will remain closed due to security problems, the participation of people in the election even in areas where polling stations will be open is risky. Voters will show willingness to accept the risk only when they are assured that their votes will be respected and that their participation in the election can really play a role in shaping the country’s future.
A part from security concerns, the masses are scared of the election becoming disputed once again. If the election turns controversial due to fraud or any other issue, Afghanistan, which is already grappling with numerous security and political challenges, can encounter even more problems. The electoral tickets, all of whom claim believing in democratic and political struggle, must be ready to accept the results. Winning and losing election is part of a democratic struggle; thus, the losing candidates must concede without holding the public will hostage. In addition, they should respect the public will and play a part in ensuring electoral transparency in lieu of resorting to fraud and stuffing ballot boxes. It is the supporters of candidates who are committing fraud. If they think they really deserve to assume the country’s leadership, they should respect the will of people than rig the election. People are the real owners of the country and its leadership, and whomever they elect for leadership must be accepted unarguably as the president, and of course by virtue of transparent and genuine election results.
