Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union with regard to the elections in Afghanistan
The European Union notes the announcement of the Independent Election Commission on the holding of a second round in the Afghan presidential election, as well as the statement by President Karzai confirming this.
The European Union commends the Electoral Complaints Commission and the Independent Election Commission for their work in identifying, investigating and ruling on the fraud and irregularities during the elections, and notes with satisfaction that the safeguards of the electoral system have worked. The European Union will monitor the progress, and continue to support improvements, of the electoral system.
The European Union welcomes the contribution of national and international observers to the process so far, including the efforts of the EU Election Observation Mission.
The European Union calls on all parties and institutions to ensure a transparent, credible and secure process, and a legitimate outcome of a second round, that reflects the will of the Afghan people. The European Union continues to call on all stakeholders to jointly take responsibility for the stability and unity of Afghanistan in the coming period.