After more than thirty years bloodshed of, the people of Afghanistan desire peace and stability in their country. Peace is what they wish to gift their coming generations. But hate-mongers, criminals, extremist groups and problems such as corruption, poverty and lack of justice that do much do hinder Afghans way forward, have grabbed Afghanistan like never before.
To come out of such a condition, people have a vital role to play. At the crucial juncture where Afghanistan is standing today, the Afghan government and the international community must work to strengthen voices that are raised against extremism, terrorism, lack of justice, nepotism, corruption and other such issues. Without public support, it would difficult for Afghan government and its Western backers to triumph over growing insurgency and other critical issues.
The Afghan government and its western backers must also ensure a free, fair and transparent presidential election in 2014. This will be crucial to boost up the public trust and confidence in the government. All know that previous elections were marred with allegations frauds and ballot-stuffing. To lead Afghanistan out of chaos it is facing today and make positive thoughts about government grow in the minds of the people, the next presidential election is being deemed as crucial. Afghanistan political parties and analysts have been urging for a fraud-free election. Key to Afghanistan's future stability will be a credible and inclusive presidential election in 2014, followed by a constitutional transfer of power.
On the security side too, the government needs to work tirelessly so that people can be sure that they are moving towards a secure future. People rising against the insurgents must be supported and encouraged. Over the past few years, there have been a number of public uprisings against Taliban militants in certain provinces of Afghanistan. This establishes the fact that people are tired of being illegally ruled by insurgents who burn schools and cause development and reconstruction works to stop. Here is where the government should give a hand to the common people and try to alleviate their problems to gain more trust.
Still the Taliban have many people on their side. Taliban preach against foreign presence in Afghanistan, try to motivate common Afghans towards fight against westerners and do whatsoever it can to recruit more people into their ranks. This process will continue for many other years. It is necessary to open the minds of people and make them clearly distinguish between a democratic system and Taliban's rule.
Without gaining the public support and confidence, it would be difficult for the Afghan government to lead Afghanistan out of the challenges it is facing. Public trust should be built by improving good governance, rule of law, justice and security condition and also ensuring a fraud-free election in the next year.