BRUSSELS - The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Ján Kubiš, called today upon both Afghanistan’s electoral management bodies and candidates involved in the upcoming Presidential run-off vote to fulfill their joint responsibilities in order to safeguard the credibility of the decisive election.

Speaking today in Brussels at a NATO-hosted meeting of the Defence Ministers of ISAF contributing countries, Mr. Kubiš, also appealed to all states to continue support to Afghanistan, including its security forces, extending beyond the projected international military presence.

While acknowledging the improved electoral process seen in the 5 April first round vote, Mr. Kubiš highlighted that the country was at a critical juncture and that further improvements from all parties were now required.

“The two candidates are rightly demanding improvements in the process,” said Mr. Kubiš. “What is vital is that the electoral authorities are seen to act in good faith and to continually strive for technical improvements,” he said. “I continue to urge the electoral management bodies to ensure full transparency in their decision-making and conduct.”

As head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr. Kubiš has, in accordance with the mandate, been working with all stakeholders in support of the inclusiveness and integrity of the Afghan-led elections - and ultimately an outcome which has broad acceptance by the Afghan people. He reiterated UNAMA’s strict neutrality and that it does not support nor favour any candidate.

Noting the recent “sharpening of rhetoric” between supporters of the two candidates, Mr. Kubiš underlined the need for candidates to demonstrate statesmanship. “I again urge campaigns to remain focused on substance. Appeals to ethnic and factional interests have no place when the need is unity and stability,” he said.

The run-off poll is scheduled to take place on 14 June between the two candidates who obtained the most votes in the first round, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. "I appeal to these two respected, national figures to guide and shape the actions and attitudes of their supporters. This includes calling on their supporters to refrain from any act of fraud, as well as publicly committing to respect the authority of the electoral bodies,” said Mr. Kubiš.

Mr. Kubiš condemned the insurgents’ continued attacks and threats of attacks against civilians at the time of the election.

“Recent Taliban statements where they have identified the electoral process and judiciary as targets are of grave concern. I underscore that attacks on civilians or indiscriminate violence in civilian locations goes against international obligations and the fundamental tenets of Islam,” he said.

Mr. Kubiš added that the insurgents’ campaign of fear and increased violence has not translated into gains on the ground, and noted that the Afghan security forces have proved themselves up to the job of securing the elections.

Looking beyond the elections and the projected end of US and other international military presence in Afghanistan, Mr. Kubiš appealed to states to support the country well beyond 2016, and to use the upcoming NATO Summit in September and London development conference in November to re-affirm commitments to the new Afghan government.

“Pledges of both development and security assistance must endure if the fragile gains of the last decade are to be protected,” said Mr. Kubiš, adding that it was vital “to ensure the Afghan people understand they are not being abandoned.”

[The briefing paper of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Ján Kubiš, is available at: http://bit.ly/1pEHknS]