AFGHAN ELECTIONS 2009

Everybody is very hopeful regarding the current presidential elections in Afghanistan. About 41 candidates took part in the elections that were held 20th august 2009. The US government as well as the NATO forces had done preparations in order to tackle the taliban insurgency. Taliban had already threatened the Afghan government that they would not let the so-called elections be carried out peacefully. Taliban threatened the people in Afghanistan not to cast their vote otherwise they would face serious consequences. The US troops and the NATO forces ensured the foolproof security measures in Kabul and other parts on the Election Day. On the other hand Pakistani government was told to seal its western borders as it was also a part of the security measures.
During election the turnout was not satisfactory though the western media and the UN officials highlighted the turn out as satisfactory. The women turn out was more or less 1% in the elections as they were scared of taliban reaction, as they had done in the past elections. The taliban had thrown acid on some of the ladies who had casted their votes in the past elections.
Elections took place and in the first round both the strong candidates i.e. the incumbent president Mr. Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah have claimed their victory. However, according to the results Nr. Karzai has a slighter edge on his opponent Abdullah Abdullah. Abdullah Abdullah put strong allegations that of rigging in the elections on the incumbent president. According to him, the election was a complete fraud.
On the other hand, Pakistan being a neighbor country of Afghanistan has deep concerns regarding the elections. Pakistan is waiting to see that who would be the next president of Afghanistan. Both the strong candidates, Mr. Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah are pro India. As far as Mr. Karzai is concerned, he has been judged in the past and Pakistani government is now used to him. But Abdullah Abdullah could be more dangerous because he was from a party that is anti Pakistan. Well right now Pakistani government focus more on the elections for bringing stability in Afghanistan, as it is in the interest of Pakistan as well.