Solution in Afghanistan?

In a country where mistrust is deeply ingrained, it was probably the only solution that was ever going to satisfy even the most sceptical of commentators and observers, to say nothing of the politicians themselves. Every single vote, more than eight million, which was cast in the Afghan presidential run-off, is to be audited again. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, brokered the deal that may yet avert a crisis of governance before the next government of Afghanistan is even formed. Accusations of ballot rigging had flown back and forth between the two candidates, and there did appear to be an unusual reversal of fortunes for Mr Ghani, who came far behind Abdullah Abdullah in the first round but appeared to overhaul him in round two to gain a substantial lead. After two days of intensive discussion both candidates have agreed to abide by the result of this count no matter what it is and then go forward to hopefully form a government of national unity.



The review of votes is going to take several weeks. Each will be scrutinised by official ballot counters as well as a range of observers. Ballot papers from Kabul will be checked first and the International Security and Assistance Force will be responsible for bringing in boxes of papers from all the other provinces; thus avoiding accusations that local scrutineers are in any way tainting the process. The size of the operation means that the presidential inauguration will have to be delayed, but the business of creating a government is already under way behind the scenes. It is vital that the two candidates agree on a power-sharing formula for the stability and well-being of Afghanistan, not to mention the region.

Both have strong support and both could undermine the other if they so chose. John Kerry spoke of  ‘a difficult road ahead’ for Afghanistan. He is right, as the road that is now to be travelled is one on which Afghanistan walks very much by itself, without the muscle of foreign forces for support. Democracy remains an aspiration rather than an accomplished reality for Afghanistan and we wish it well for the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2014.

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