UPCOMING POLLS CRUCIAL FOR AFGHAN STABILITY, SAYS UN PEACEKEEPING CHIEF

UPCOMING POLLS CRUCIAL FOR AFGHAN STABILITY, SAYS UN PEACEKEEPING CHIEF
New York, Feb 9 2009 2:10PM
The elections slated to be held later this year in Afghanistan will be a vital opportunity to boost the country's political stability, the United Nations peacekeeping chief said today, pledging the world body's assistance to ensure fair, timely and transparent polls.

Afghanistan's Independent Electoral Commission has fixed 20 August as the date for presidential and provincial council polls, which will be an enormous undertaking for the fledgling democracy.

"We will try to do our best to help because it is clear that this election is very important for the country," Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy told a <"http://www.unama-afg.org/news/_pc/_english/2009/09feb09.html">news conference in Kabul.

"It's clearly both a challenge but also a huge opportunity for the country to be able to work together," he added, noting that success will be measured based on the elections taking place "on time, with fairness and transparency.

"My hope is that it could bring political stability and renewed legitimacy," said Mr. Le Roy.

The UN peacekeeping chief stressed that 2009 will be a year of challenges and new opportunities, echoing comments made by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week during a surprise visit to Afghanistan.

At the same time, he noted that insecurity continues to be a problem and cautioned "that some groups will try to derail the process especially when the elections are coming."

Mr. Le Roy also highlighted the achievements Afghanistan has been making in health, education, demining and the strengthening of the armed forces and police. The UN will be in Afghanistan for the long term to help sustain these achievements, he added.
Feb 9 2009 2:10PM
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