Today marks the beginning of election campaign period for 11 presidential candidates. In the next sixty days, based on the regulation issued by 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.

Thankfully, this time the number of candidates running for the presidential seat is remarkably less as compared to 2009 and 2004 presidential elections. It would have been better if there were only 2-3 candidates. It would create lesser headache for the public and would put them in a better position to decide on who they want to use their votes for.

It is pivotal for the presidential candidates and their respective deputies to elaborate how Afghanistan can be taken out of the grave challenges it is facing? Obviously, the issue of security will dominate the whole election campaign and the candidates will come up with various ideas on improving the condition. At current, security is at its worst and it is hoped that the new administration that will be formed as a result of April 5th 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 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 that must be focused by the presidential candidates during their campaigns. Public awareness regarding election has greatly increased as compared to the previous elections. Therefore, it is quite important for the candidates to avoid making hefty and unrealistic promises just for tricking the public.

Afghanistan is not limited to only a few relatively secure cities. Although the government has arranged for security of the presidential candidates, none of them might dare to travel to insecure regions of the country. Any presidential candidate that might take this risk will definitely be praised by the public.