Kandahar leaders call for all Afghans to exercise civic duty in upcoming elections

19 Jul 2018

Kandahar leaders call for all Afghans to exercise civic duty in upcoming elections

KANDAHAR - The active participation of all Afghans in the upcoming elections is essential for creating a more stable, inclusive and peaceful country, said participants gathered at a UN-backed event in the southern province of Kandahar.

At the symposium in the province’s capital, civil society members, women’s rights advocates and other community leaders underlined the importance of communities across the country, along with all political parties, exercising their civic duty to make the upcoming elections inclusive and credible.

“Elections are credible when citizens participate freely,” said one participant, who stressed the need for efforts at the grassroots level to spread information about the importance not only of voting but also of ensuring the elections run smoothly. Other participants agreed, emphasizing the need to build momentum so those who have registered will turn out to vote.

The head of the IEC in Kandahar, Hashim Durrani, spoke at the event about the Commission’s commitment to delivering a successful election in October and urged communities across Kandahar to help ensure a credible and peaceful election by reporting suspected irregularities.

The event in Kandahar was supported by UNAMA’s regional office as part of a countrywide outreach programme aimed at creating platforms – using radio, television and social media – where Afghans can engage in dialogue and discuss critical issues affecting their communities.

UNAMA supports the Afghan people and government to achieve peace and stability. In accordance with its mandate as a political mission, UNAMA backs conflict prevention and resolution, promoting inclusion and social cohesion, as well as strengthening regional cooperation. The Mission supports effective governance, promoting national ownership and accountable institutions that are built on respect for human rights.

UNAMA provides 'good offices' and other key services, including diplomatic steps that draw on the organization’s independence, impartiality and integrity to prevent disputes from arising, escalating or spreading. The Mission coordinates international support for Afghan development and humanitarian priorities.