Afghan elections highlight failure, not progress

Afghan elections highlight failure, not progress

In most elections, the question is about who might win. In the case of Afghanistan, which will elect the lower house of its parliament on September 18, the focus is on whether they can be held in a credible manner across the country. So far a number of election workers and a candidate have already been kidnapped. Journalist Kelley Vlahos said the US has used the elections, both in Iraq and Afghanistan as symbols of freedom and progress; however it is unlikely this election will highlight progress. She said these elections will more likely show the failures of international efforts in Afghanistan and illustrate the corruption in the Afghan government.

19 kidnapped amid Afghan elections

19 kidnapped amid Afghan elections


Afghanistan's parliamentary elections on Saturday will be another key test for the embattled central government and observers are expressing concern about irregularities before the polls even open. Eighteen election worker and one candidate have already been kidnapped and taken for ransom by the Taliban. So who will come out and vote tomorrow? Jerome Starkey says that there has been a huge effort to drum up support for their respective party but people understand the risks of coming out to vote.

Afghan elections free and credible?

Afghan elections free and credible?


most elections, the question is about who might win. In the case of Afghanistan, which will elect the lower house of its parliament on September 18, the focus is on whether they can be held in a credible manner across the country. Malou Innocent, a foreign policy analyst at the Cato Institute said it's hard to even call these elections free and credible given the bribery, voter intimidation, closure of polling places and other problems.