KABUL - The members of the Security Council welcome the holding of the presidential and provincial council elections in Afghanistan on 20 August 2009.

The members of the Council reiterate the importance of these elections as Afghanistan, working together with other members of the international community, continues to make progress towards its goals and congratulate the people of Afghanistan on their participation in these historic elections. The members also applaud the efforts to prepare for and hold these elections by the Afghan Government, the Independent Electoral Commission, the Electoral Complaints Commission, the Media Commission, Afghanistan’s National Security Forces and the Afghan people and recognize the strong support of international partners, in particular that of UNAMA and ISAF. The members of the Security Council welcome the level of public debate during the campaign, through the media and in communities, which has enabled the people of Afghanistan to discuss the issues that are important to them.

The members of the Security Council condemn the actions of those who sought to deny the voice of the Afghan people by attempting to disrupt the elections. The members of the Council condemn violent and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country. The members commend the performance of the Afghan National Security Forces in today’s election and call on the Afghan Government, with the assistance of the international community, including ISAF and the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition, in accordance with their respective responsibilities, to continue to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan.

The members of the Council look forward to the announcement of the final results of the elections by the Independent Electoral Commission, call on all involved to continue cooperating with all Afghan electoral institutions and look forward to working with the newly elected representatives of the people of Afghanistan to help them deliver good governance, security, and justice, strengthen rule of law, and enhance economic opportunity for all Afghans.