Presidential Elections in Afghanistan – disappointment or a sign of hope?

9.7 million registered voters were called to elect the new Afghan president on Sunday, September 29. Against the backdrop of massive threats from the Taliban, turnout reached a historic low, with only 2 million voters participating in the elections. Despite the Taliban’s threat, violence was mostly small-scale, with the death-toll at about 40. This is “in line with the average daily toll of the country’s long-running war, now in its 18th year.”

Soon after the election, whose winner has not yet been determined, allegations of ballot-stuffing were raised. Amidst an historically low turnout, some districts reported participation rates of 90 percent. The country’s Independent Election Commission has promised to throw out bogus ballots.

Despite the many problems with the Afghan Presidential elections, some observers saw signs of progress. The fact that many voters braved the threats and not only participated but volunteered as election observers is a positive sign for the future of democracy in Afghanistan.

Preliminary results are expected for mid-October, while final results should be in in early November.