Thursday marked the start of election campaign period in Afghanistan for a run-off election. The two leading candidates of the first round of election namely Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai will be able to demonstrate their manifestos, plans and programs until June 11 on how the future government of Afghanistan will be able to take the country out of the current challenges. Based on a regulation defined Independent Election Commission or IEC, “Political parties and coalitions shall conduct electoral campaigns by organizing rallies and advertising through mass media, considering the relevant code of conduct.” The campaign period is an opportunity for the candidates to put their views before the public. It will allow the voters to find their favorite candidate.
Rivals of the past are allies of today. Dr. ZalmaiRasoul who secured third position in the first round has joined hands with Dr. Abdullah’s team. Certain influential figures like ex-intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh, ex-governor of Nangahar Gul Aqa Sherzai and among others President Karzai’s brother Jamil Karzai have joined Dr. Abdullah’s team ‘Reform and Integrity.’
Meanwhile, Dr. Ashraf Ghani’s team ‘Change and Continuity’ is no less and has done its utmost to gain support of certain political figures. Ex-vice president Zia Masood who was also nominated by Zalmai Rasoul as his first VP, Sibghatullah Mujadadi and Daud Sultanzoi have announced their support for the team of Change and Continuity.
As there are many days left before election campaign period ends more political marriages and makes and breaks are expected. Efforts are under way by both the teams to also gain the support of Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf, former Jihadi cum warlord who also tested his luck as presidential candidate on April 5th but secured only less 10% of total votes.
Obviously, the issue of security will dominate the whole season of current election campaign and the candidates will come up with various ideas on improving the condition. At current, security is its worst and it is hoped that the new administration that will be formed as a result of second round of election will find better ways of resolving the ongoing conflict in the country with cooperation from the international community. Secondly, the candidates must also present their plans on strengthening the foundations of the Afghan economy that is currently highly reliant on international aids and therefore, quite fragile.
There are many other national issues like poppy cultivation, corruption, women rights, poverty, unemployment, rural and urban development and so on for which both Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani must present clear and practicable plans and policies to the nation. Their plans will have serious impacts on the number of votes they will receive.