KABUL - Afghanistan's institutional and political stability are highly dependent on the success of the April elections, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Ján Kubiš said, according to the United Nations News Center.
"The success of the April 2014 elections will be of critical significance in reinforcing Afghanistan's institutional and political stability and instilling confidence in the future," Kubiš said in his briefing to the Security Council.
Afghanistan will hold the presidential and provincial council elections on April 5 which will mark the country's first democratic transfer of power.
Kubiš asked Afghans to exercise their right to vote, stressing the universal, democratic right and its importance in strengthening the country's democratic process.
"Do not let spoilers and terrorists deprive you of your choice, of your future," he stated. "Participation as voters, elections officials, and observers, is a rejection of force, violence, and intimidation as the means by which your proud nation decides your leadership."
In this transfer of power, a credible electoral process can maintain stability among ethnic lines and ensure the country's political, economic and social development agendas and facilitate the peace and reconciliation process, according to Kubis.
Moreover, Kubis underlined the significance of security on these polls.
A week ago, the Taliban issued a statement warning Afghan citizens not to take part in the April elections or they could suffer the consequences of militant violence planned to disrupt the process.
"We have given orders to our Mujahideen to use all force at their disposal to disrupt the upcoming sham elections and to target all workers, activists, callers, security apparatus and offices," the Taliban statement read.
The Taliban's statement seemed more bent on scaring Afghans from voting than anything else. The insurgents said they would not hold themselves responsible for any loss of life that may result from their attacks on election day.
Foreign troops in Afghanistan are scheduled to leave by the end of 2014 with the end of the NATO combat mission, after which the ASF – currently numbering at around 300,000– will take over full security responsibility of the country. According to NATO and Afghan officials, the ASF have already assumed the bulk of leadership on operations throughout the country.
Of the roughly 80,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan, around 47,000 are Americans. (Tolonews)