Speeches / Statements

Statement by EAM on Afghanistan elections

22/08/2009

The Afghan Presidential and Provincial Council elections held on August 20, 2009, were one of the largest democratic exercises in the history of Afghanistan. As a long-standing friend of the Afghan people, and a fellow member of SAARC, it is gratifying to see the democratic process taking strong root in Afghanistan. Despite the complex security environment and threats from terrorist groups, candidates have campaigned fearlessly and new voters registered themselves in large numbers. As a fellow developing country and a democracy, we remain strongly supportive of the election process and democratic institutions of Afghanistan. We admire the courage and determination of the Afghan voters and all the candidates in participating in this process despite the intimidation and violence which the opponents of democracy have subjected them to. We are confident that the current elections will strengthen democracy and pluralism in Afghanistan.

New Delhi
August 22, 2009