With escalation of insecurity and deterioration of political condition, existence of rampant corruption and lack of rule of law, hope for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is dying in the hearts of common Afghans and the public-government trust gap has widened like never before. The withdrawal plan of NATO troops is to put Afghanistan at further menace of economic downfall and return of Taliban government. To lead Afghanistan out of the chaos it is facing today, the next presidential election is being deemed as crucial. Presidential candidates and analysts urge for a fraud-free election and the same is stressed by international backers of the country. What is important for Afghanistan’s future stability is a credible and inclusive presidential election in 2014 and subsequent constitutional transfer of power.

So far, two presidential and provincial council elections and the same number of parliamentary elections have been held in the country. These elections are enough to establish the fact that democracy is working in Afghanistan and as the time passes people will be more interested in taking part in democratic processes.

Although still there is much to do, awareness among the people regarding electing their president and representatives in the parliament and provincial council has dramatically increased since the first presidential in 2004. Based on studies conducted recently around 85% of Afghans intend to participate in next presidential election that is going to take place at the same as election for members of provincial councils on 5th April. Meanwhile, the main concern of the people has been reported to be the security condition.

It seems quite difficult to conduct an election in its real terms given the prevailing condition in Afghanistan but even a faulty election is far better than an illegitimate government. Therefore, election must be conducted no matter how the circumstances are.

The fact that majority of people of Afghanistan are interested to vote in spite of existing security threats indicates their detestation from wars that have grabbed them for more than three decades now. Indeed most Afghans have realized that change for better can be brought through votes in a democratic system not by taking up arms.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC), whose authorities have historically been under direct influence of presidential palace, must be autonomous in real terms so that it performs its responsibilities sincerely and transparently. An election marred with allegations of frauds – as were the previous two presidential elections – can badly disappoint the people and such elections would no more be acceptable to the people of Afghanistan.