Brussels, 08/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 8 April, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton hailed the holding of presidential elections in Afghanistan on 5 April, calling on “all parties to now let the electoral bodies perform their task of making sure that the final results reflect the will of the people as accurately as possible”. Ashton paid “tribute to the courage and bravery” of the Afghan people in their determination to have their rightful say in who will be their president. She highlighted the participation of women in the vote, “in spite of the many barriers they face to their legitimate aspirations to play a full part in Afghanistan's politics”. Around 60% of the 12 million Afghans eligible to vote turned out to the elections, despite the threats from the Taliban. The national results may not be known for several weeks yet.
Ashton also hailed the “considerable efforts” of the Afghan authorities and Afghan national security forces in ensuring voter safety and in organising the elections on schedule.
The European election observation team led by Thijs Berman (S&D, Netherlands) will remain in Afghanistan until the election process is completed, Ashton stated. (CG)