Afghanistan Ahead of the Next Turbulent Presidential Elections
Afghanistan Ahead of the Next Turbulent Presidential Elections

Author(s): Patryk Kugiel
Subject(s): Civil Society, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Electoral systems, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Afghanistan; presidential elections; peace talks; security and credibility of electoral process; negotiations with Taliban; civil war; military pressure;
Summary/Abstract: The U.S. cancellation of peace talks with the Taliban means that the presidential election in Afghanistan planned for 28 September will take place in an environment of an escalating civil war. The most important challenge for the authorities is to ensure the security and credibility of the electoral process. Although the elections carry the risk of deepening the internal political crisis, they can also strengthen the position of the new president in possible government negotiations with the Taliban, which would give the country a chance to launch an intra-Afghan peace process. Western partners can support this approach by confirming their support for the new authorities and intensifying military pressure on the Taliban.

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