The 2014 presidential and parliamentary elections have been a point of controversy from the start of the second half of Hamed Karzai’s presidency. As the date approaches the debate has intensified, as many believe this election is the way out of Afghanistan’s current political chaos.  Moreover, after decades of war and instability, a peaceful transition of power in 2014 could portend a more hopeful future for Afghanistan.

Yesterday, the registration of Presidential and Provincial candidates was formally launched. Meanwhile on Sept. 14, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) said that there were political movements trying to postpone the election.  The Chief Secretary of Commission Zai-ul-Haq Amerkhel said that there were movements that wanted to postpone the election.  But he did not name any particular individual, political party or movements.

Previously, Mullah Tarakhel, the representative of nomads in the lower house of the parliament along with some other tribal elders demanded delay of the election till 2018 which sparked serious criticisms from civil and political figures. A similar move made by a group of people in Kandahar, demanding reforms in the constitution to allow President Karzai to run for the third consecutive period. They claimed that exit of President would spark power struggle which might disrupt the security and political stability.

It is important to understand that postponing the election would call into question the people’s right to choose their leader, the right to vote in a democratic system which would weaken current democratic practices. Security concerns are considered the main obstacles to conducting the elections. And while it is true there are security concerns, i.e., the inability of voters to participate in the election within insurgency triggered areas, it is also true that a democratic government was voted into power in spite of these barricades. Thus, not conducting elections is an even greater and potentially graver problem.  It is also important to note that these security threats are nothing new, and have been of equal concern for the last two provincial, parliamentary, and presidential elections.  Deferral of the election is an ineffective way to deal this threat, and in no way guarantees better security by 2018.

Seemingly, in spite of all such reversal movements, Afghan politicians have reached to a conclusion that any changes in the constitution or efforts to postpone the election may bring about regretful consequences for the entire country. Earlier this month, the first vice President, Mohammad Qasim Fahim emphasized that presidential election should be held on the fixed time which gained the appreciation from different fronts.

So, there are huge reasons to be optimistic that the presidential election will be held, but the issue of transparency will continue to remain as an obsession for democratic layers of the society.
Another important thing that needs to be highlighted in the upcoming election is the number of candidates. However, it is not clear how many people will run the campaign for presidential election, but it is widely believed that the number of candidates will be far lower in comparison to two previous presidential elections. During past few months, we have been witness to intense political bargains among different wings and fronts. Some coalitions and alliances formed to challenge the candidate who would come from the address of the palace.

Thus, there will be tough competition between the ruling team and the oppositions. Unlike previous elections, the number of independent candidates will tremendously decrease. They will not waste money, noticing that having no chance other than aligning with powerful wings. They will finally join the ruling team or the opposition.

So, if everything follows the path, the country will pass from one of the giant floods in its political history. Democracy will get the chance to get stronger and popular among people.