Afghanistan Election Update Explores Decision to Cancel Runoff

In a Nov. 3 statement, NDI called for a rigorous, impartial, high-level inquiry into the failures of the election process that allowed systematic and widespread fraud surrounding the Aug. 20 presidential balloting. The inquiry is needed “to reduce tensions, establish credibility for future Afghan elections, and reinforce the legitimacy of the Afghan governing institutions and the effectiveness of international electoral assistance,” the Institute said.

NDI’s election observation mission began in July 2009 with long-term observers and more than 100 national and international observers from 11 countries for the Aug. 20 polls. After election day, NDI continued to monitor the presidential and provincial council vote tally as well as the complaints process.

The Institute’s team of international election analysts, based in Kabul, is covering key issues such as electoral administration, security of the elections, women’s participation as well as regional developments. The effort includes a specific focus on the southern and eastern regions, areas of the country that experienced serious problems around the Aug. 20 elections.

NDI is drawing information from a broad network of partners and sources across the country, as well as over 40 of the Institute’s national and international staff based in Balkh, Bamiyan, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, Kunduz and Nangarhar.

This on-the-ground news and analysis appears in the NDI Afghanistan Elections Update. In this issue:

Analysis shows 76 percent of votes removed for fraud favored Karzai in the Aug. 20 election
Some Afghans defend, others challenge the legality of the IEC decision to cancel runoff
To the end, Abdullah campaign left door open for runoff

Read the full update» (Dari»)