UN welcomes completion of presidential elections 2014

21 Sep 2014

UN welcomes completion of presidential elections 2014

KABUL - The United Nations welcomes today’s announcement by Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission (IEC) completing the presidential election 2014. The United Nations warmly congratulates Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai as the President-elect of Afghanistan.

The IEC announcement follows the agreement of Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr.  Ghani  to form a government of national unity. The UN pledges its full support and cooperation with this government that is an embodiment of the wishes of the people of Afghanistan to live and work together. The UN applauds both leaders and their supporters, as well as the authorities and institutions of Afghanistan for putting the people, peace and stability of the country first.

“Today’s announcement of the presidential election outcome takes the country an essential step nearer to its first ever democratic transition of authority,” said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ján Kubiš. “We look forward to the inauguration of the new President and appointment of the Chief Executive Officer to help lead the country to more stable and prosperous times.”

The audit process, requested by the candidates, supervised by the UN and monitored by domestic and international observers, most notably by the European Union and the United States, confirmed that millions of Afghan men and women turned out to vote on 14 June for a better future for themselves and their country.

The UN wishes to acknowledge the hard work of all engaged in the elections, especially the IEC under whose authority the audit took place, the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission, Afghanistan’s National Security Forces, domestic and international observers and most of all the people of Afghanistan who cast their votes.