A number of prominent political figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, say in the current situation holding free and fair election is impossible, so all attention should be focused on peace for now.
A statement from the office of former President says the politicians believe that in circumstances where Afghans don’t lead and own the election process, holding the presidential polls will further complicate the ongoing political crisis in the country.
“All attention needs to be focused on peace for now. Internal consensus for the national process, peace, should be established and the process must be sped up,” the statement reads citing the politicians gathered in Karzai’s office.
The politicians, including Atta Mohammad Noor, Yunos Qanoni, and some close aides to Karzai said the peace process can only succeed if it is all-inclusive and respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They asked for the urgent resumption of peace talks between US and Taliban to pave the ground for intra-Afghan dialogue.
US President Donald Trump called off peace talks and his meeting with Taliban leaders in Comp David two weeks ago after Taliban-claimed suicide attack in Kabul killed 11 people including an American soldier. Trump on Sunday blamed Taliban’s refusal of ceasefire for canceling his meeting and peace talks with the militant group. Since then, US military forces doubled down on military pressure against Taliban. Trump said the American and NATO forces have hit Taliban militants harder than they had been ever hit during the 18-year war.
