The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, called for restraint in Afghanistan on Monday 30 September, two days after the presidential election and pending the results.
Preliminary results are expected to be announced on October 19 and final results on November 7. If none of the 18 candidates, including the current president, Ashraf Ghani, and his chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, has reached 50% of the votes cast, a second round will be held within two weeks.
"We expect that the candidates exercise restraint, await the official announcement of preliminary and final results by the Independent Electoral Commission and submit any evidence based complaints through the established institutional complaints mechanism, the Electoral Complaints Commission", Ms Mogherini said in a statement.
In her view, the legitimacy of the final outcome will depend on the ability of Afghan electoral management bodies to carry out their mandate "impartially, efficiently and transparently and in full respect of the constitution, electoral laws and procedures, including with regard to any complaints and appeal proceedings"
The European Union remains committed to supporting the Afghan constitutional order and the electoral process as a way to ensure institutional continuity and legitimacy of Afghanistan's political institutions, warned the head of European diplomacy.
The High Representative also welcomed the participation of citizens, their "commitment" "to furthering the democratic path of their country, even if it means putting their lives in danger".
Several attacks, "which attempted to dissuade voters through violence and intimidation", were carried out both on Election Day and in the run-up. The Taliban claimed more than 500 attacks, but the Interior Ministry reported only 68 for Saturday.
Less than 30% of the 9.6 million Afghans called to the polls reportedly went to the polls. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)