KABUL (PAN): A smooth transfer of power through fair and transparent elections is the only way to steer Afghanistan out of the current turmoil, political analysts stressed on Thursday, calling for a system that enjoyed public confidence.
Speaking at a gathering titled “Afghanistan – A way out of crisis” in Kabul, the experts came hard on the government for its failure to find a solution to the conflict over the past many years.
Political commentator Daud Sultanzoy said only fair, transparent and free elections could guarantee stability in the country. He accused President Karzai and his team of trying to stay in power by taking advantage of uncertainty.
Sultanzoy said Karzai was out to spread rumours aimed at delaying the presidential elections due next year. But he stressed the vote must be held on schedule to bring about a system that could win people’s confidence and replace a regime that had been tested over the past 12 years.
He alleged the government was deliberately fueling insecurity in a bid to threaten the April 5 presidential and provincial council elections.
He asked the government and the international community to come up with elaborate security plans for the elections and avoid deceiving the Afghans in the name of security concerns.
Another political expert, Mohammad Arif Sarwari, stressing the need for fair polls, asked the government not to interfere in the process.
Lawmaker Nilofar Ibrahimi believed there was no way other than elections to overcome the challenges facing the nation.
by: Muhammad Hassan Khetab
source: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/07/04/fair-election-only-way-out-crisis-say-experts
