Summary: EU Presidency Declaration on Afghan Parliamentary and Provincial Elections (19 September 2005: Brussels)
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the Parliamentary and Provincial Elections in Afghanistan
The European Union welcomes the Parliamentary and Provincial Elections, which took place in Afghanistan on 18 September.
The Afghan people have shown once again their clear support for a democratic future. The EU salutes the courage of the thousands of people who put themselves forward as candidates, despite intimidation and threats to their lives, and of the millions of Afghans who exercised their freedom to vote. This turnout and the generally peaceful nature of the elections are a testament to the determination of the Afghan people to see their country succeed.
The EU especially welcomes the participation of women at all levels of the election process. Although this process cannot have been expected to be perfect under the present circumstances, the organisation was an enormous achievement. The EU calls upon all candidates to await the outcome calmly and to respect the final certified results.
The European Union deployed the largest international election observation mission, headed by Mrs Emma Bonino. Deployment of the observer mission, as well as the significant financial support provided by the EU to the organisation of the elections, underlines the EU's continuing commitment to a fully democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, free from terrorism, extremism, intimidation and violence.
The EU and its Member States are proud to be associated with the establishment of the Afghan Parliament and look forward to the Parliament playing an active and constructive role in strengthening the democratic order in Afghanistan.
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