By examining the last elections in Afghanistan and considering the developments since then, this new report from AREU assesses current preparations for and attitudes toward the upcoming 2009 and 2010 elections.
To support Afghanistan's democratic development, it is imperative that the upcoming elections are credible and transparent in the eyes of the Afghan people.
Focusing on two major factors - technical processes and contextual issues - the paper points out key actors in the elections and the steps they should take to resolve difficulties encountered during the 2004 and 2005 elections in the country. It pays specific attention to voter registration, candidate vetting and financing processes, public awareness issues, capacity building and the swiftly changing security situation in Afghanistan.
Recommendations include:
- providing training and awareness programmes for candidates, political parties, public officials, security forces and the general public;
- improving the candidate vetting process by increasing transparency and allowing sufficient time for thorough investigations; and
- establishing clear campaign financing regulations and an effective monitoring system.
Elections in 2009 and 2010: Technical and Contextual Challenges to Building Democracy in Afghanistan is available for download at www.areu.org.af. Printed copies, as well as Dari and Pashto translations, will soon be available free of charge from AREU's office.
About AREU
The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit is an independent research organisation headquartered in Kabul. AREU's mission is to conduct high-quality research that informs and influences policy and practice. AREU also actively promotes a culture of research and learning by strengthening analytical capacity in Afghanistan and facilitating reflection and debate. Fundamental to AREU's vision is that its work should improve Afghan lives. AREU was established in 2002 by the assistance community working in Afghanistan.
For more information, please contact:
AREU
Flower Street (corner of Street 2), Shahr-i-Naw, Kabul
Phone: +93 (0) 799 608 548 Email: areu@areu.org.af Website: www.areu.org.af