Aghan Elections 2004 (Photo: U.S. State Department)Resurgent Taleban Vow To Disrupt 'Joke'
Presidential Election -- Times Online
Presidential Election -- Times Online
The Taleban threatened to attack polling stations and candidates during Afghanistan’s second presidential election, due to be held next summer, as the lengthy and dangerous process of voter registration began yesterday.
The chief spokesman for Mullah Omar, the Taleban’s leader, told The Times that the group would use its increasing influence in the country to disrupt the poll. “This is not an election, it is a joke that is putting dust in people’s eyes,” said Qari Yousuf Ahmadi. “Where will they have an election? How much of Afghanistan belongs to the Government and foreign troops?”
The poll is seen as a crucial test of the credibility of the fragile Western-backed Government and the seven-year reconstruction effort. The Taleban made little attempt to oppose elections in 2004 and 2005, and Afghan officials have expressed hope that it will allow the democratic process set for August 2009.
Azzizullah Luddin, the head of the Afghanistan Independent Electoral Commission, told The Times: “My expectation is that they don’t attack. My hope is that they will allow the people to vote.”
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My Comment: Afghanistan's Presidential elections have a 50-50 chance of not going off next summer.