Afghanistan: EU Presidency Declaration on elections

The Presidential and Provincial elections of 20 August 2009 were hailed as an achievement for the Afghan people over those who tried to prevent them from taking place. The election process, however, will not be completed until the final results have been certified according to the Electoral Law.

The European Union calls on the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) to continue to work jointly in order to carry out their respective mandates.

The European Union, concerned with allegations of fraud at a number of polling stations, notes that the ECC has been required to investigate this matter. The European Union acclaims the important work of the ECC to safeguard the credibility of the elections and underlines the need that its independence be fully secured and that, with the active support of the IEC, it be given sufficient time to fulfill its mandate.

The European Union expects that all authorities and stakeholders will conscientiously respect the Electoral Law and refrain from pre-judging any result until it has been properly certified.

The European Union commends the effort of the EU Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to provide an independent evaluation of the electoral process, and takes serious note of its assessments to date.

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