Afghanistan will undergo another political transition in 2014 with the presidential election slated for April 5. Just as in 2004 and 2009, this election carries hope of ushering in new opportunities. Unlike then, however, the hope is tempered with profound uncertainty over the prospects of the candidates and the outcome of the election.

Today, the Taliban are once again threatening death to anyone who takes part in the elections. They can most safely carry out such threats in the south and the east; rather than in the north and west.

On the other hand, the hasty departure of Western troops, the major reduction of any electoral role for the United Nations by the international community, the unwillingness of any global body to carry out serious monitoring of the polls and the overall lack of international attention to the polls are likely to help create another constitutional crisis.

So, due to these crises, the fear of rigging is felt to large extent. In 2009 presidential election, allegedly, many ballot boxes were stuffed in insecure parts of the country, where people did not take part in the election. The re-election nearly led to serious clash between Mr. Karzai and Mr. Abdullah.

The need for a free and fair election is paramount for the country and the region. Many Afghans are not willing to tolerate any fraudulent election. Therefore, it seems that rigging in the presidential election will lead to turbulence in the country and the losing candidates will unite against the government and Kabul.

Afghan people still hope that the election will heal the bleeding wound, caused by terrorism, through a democratized system. Stabilization is a highly critical issue for them to be achieved. People expect to embrace democracy in a secure milieu by stepping towards ballot boxes on the Election Day. They further hope that their ballots will gain victory over bullets and put an end to the current violence and bloodshed carried out by the Taliban insurgents.

It is important to note that it does not matter much who will win the upcoming election but what will be done matters the most. Currently, Afghan nation hears mouth-watering promulgations in news conferences and electoral campaigns by the presidential candidates; hope such promises do not be only for collecting votes and do not melt away after the victory.

It is the responsibility of the government to take serious actions against the insurgents so as to secure all the regions and provide a safe ground for the residents to take part in the election. If the government defaults on this responsibility, it will do a great injustice to the citizens.