KABUL - The US ambassador to Afghanistan on Sunday commended the election panels for announcing the preliminary results from the presidential vote.
“We note the IEC release of preliminary results and thank the IECC commissioners and staff for their dedicated, patriotic service to the Afghan people and the Islamic Republic,” John Bass tweeted.
He said it was important for all Afghans to remember that the results were preliminary, as many steps remained before the final outcome was certified, to ensure the Afghans had confidence in the results.
“We support the vital work of the IECC in adjudicating complaints before a final result is certified,” the ambassador wrote, soon after the announcement was made.
Meanwhile, the embassy of France said the fact that the democratic process could take place in a difficult context was in itself a victory for Afghanistan and its people.
“We commend the president and the chief executive for having ensured the election took place this year, in conformity with the Constitution.”
In a statement, the French embassy valued the work of the election management bodies, civil society and security forces in organising the process.
Supporting the electoral process since its inception, France said it was right not to further postpone the announcement of the initial vote outcome.
Implementing and preserving the constitution was the best way to consolidate the rights and values it enshrined against the enemies of democracy, the embassy added.
“All complaints must be adjudicated by the Electoral Complaints Commission, in full respect of the latter’s competences, prerogatives and independence. The electoral law must be completely enforced.
“The votes of those who risked their lives to cast their ballots must be respected. As long as the law is fully respected, a low turn-out is not a cause for illegitimacy. The Afghans are entitled to have a legitimate process until its very end.”
It argued a democratically elected president with a clear mandate from the people would have the necessary legitimacy to engage in inter-Afghan negotiations.
The future president would have to bring together all Afghans and take an inclusive stance to bring sustainable peace while building upon the achievements of the last 18 years, the statement said. (Pajhwok)