Security Council Press Statement on Afghanistan Elections

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu (Nigeria):

The members of the Security Council welcome the holding of the presidential and provincial council elections on 5 April 2014 in Afghanistan.  The members of the Council reiterate the importance of these historic elections to Afghanistan’s transition and democratic development.  Members commend the participation and courage of the Afghan people to cast their ballot despite the threat and intimidation by the Taliban and other extremist and terrorist groups.

The members of the Security Council applaud the Afghan-led efforts to prepare for and hold these elections and recognize the important role of the Afghan electoral institutions, including the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission, as well as the support provided by international partners.

The members of the Security Council welcome the level of public debate during the campaign, through the media and in communities, which has enabled the people of Afghanistan to discuss the issues that are important to them.

The members of the Security Council commend the performance of the Afghan National Security Forces in leading security arrangements for the elections, and call on the Afghan Government, with the assistance of the international community, to continue to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council condemn the actions of those who attempted to disrupt the elections, such as terrorist attacks against civilians, including election personnel and candidates, as well as attacks against election infrastructure.  The members of the Council condemn violent and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other violent and extremist groups and illegal armed groups aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.  The members of the Security Council recognize the sacrifices of the Afghan people and Afghan National Security Forces during the election period, and reiterate that no terrorist act can reverse the path towards Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability.

The members of the Security Council urge all stakeholders, including the candidates and their supporters, to be patient and respect the electoral institutions and processes.  The members look forward to the announcement of the final results of the elections by the Independent Election Commission and look forward to working with the newly elected representatives of the people of Afghanistan.

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For information media • not an official record