The United States welcomes the re-confirmation by the Independent Election Commission that elections will be held in August. We share the Independent Election Commission’s view that an August election is the best means to assure that every Afghan citizen is able to freely and fairly express his or her political preference in a secure environment, and that all candidates will have an opportunity to participate on an equal basis in a transparent, fair, and open competition.
The United States calls upon Afghanistan’s leaders to find a formula within the constitutional framework for ensuring the continuity, legitimacy and stability of government from May through the presidential inauguration. The United States urges all Afghan parties to work together toward these goals, which the United States supports.
