Kabul University
Elections Event
Remarks
Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry
August 12, 2009
Salaam walaikum. Mr. Mokamel Alakozai. Mr. Mohammad Salim Rahim. Thank you for hosting me today on your lovely campus.
I am honored to be here, representing the President of the United States and the American people, at this historic moment for Afghans, and more importantly, for you, the next generation of Afghan leaders. Next week, on August 20th, the polls will open in Afghanistan’s first Afghan-led Presidential election. Afghan men and women will travel great distances -- in some cases, unfortunately, under threat of attack -- to make their voices heard.
It is appropriate that I make remarks at this prestigious institution, Kabul University, before this election. Many Afghan leaders have received their academic training here, and no doubt among the faces I see today in the audience, future leaders will emerge.
You are a historic generation in Afghanistan—you are coming of age after three decades of war and violence. You have more educational opportunities than previous generations, and most importantly, because 60% of the Afghan population is now under the age of 25, you have a significant political power. This power, your power, as the years pass, will grow exponentially. It is your generation who will be able to decide, more than any other, the future of your country.
Therefore, I encourage you to vote, knowing that your vote is an exercise in civic responsibility.
We recognize the challenge of holding elections in insecure areas. The Afghan Independent Election Commission is in charge of overseeing these elections. It is carrying out its mission despite the great challenges it faces, including preparing polling sites in remote areas and putting in place safeguards to protect against fraud. More importantly, the Afghan people who risk their lives to exercise their fundamental right to vote and develop their country draw a vivid contrast to the militant extremists’ and brutal ways. To help protect those rights, the United States is working with the Afghan Government, NATO, ISAF forces, the United Nations and the rest of the international community to ensure a credible, inclusive and secure election.
This is an Afghan process that illustrates your desire to move your country forward in a positive way. The United States and the international community are absolutely committed to the August 20th presidential and provincial council elections. Although the situation remains complicated, we believe that secure, inclusive, and credible elections can take place next week.
However, I am not here to talk about the security issues that garner so much attention. I am here to talk about the importance of a serious debate among the candidates and by the Afghan people. You, the voters, deserve a real choice and to know what each candidate stands for.
The issues at stake are numerous and weighty. How will the next president finish building a strong army and police force respected by the people and fully capable of providing security? Can the nation's wealth be used for investment and development in an accountable manner? How will young people be educated and trained to develop the human capital that Afghanistan needs? What policies will be adopted to encourage the return to peaceful society of those who renounce ties with international terrorism and the use of force while accepting the constitution of the nation? What are the candidates' ideas for governing Afghanistan? How, for example, should the provincial councils evolve to give a real voice to Afghans across the land? And how can the international community better partner with Afghanistan to achieve peace, justice and economic progress?
In March, President Obama announced a new U.S. strategy that includes a major commitment of American men and women -- civilian and military -- to Afghanistan, as well as important new financial contributions to help accelerate development. We will continue to work with the next Afghan administration to field capable and sufficient Afghan National Army and Police units; to support effective government personnel systems; to help combat corruption; to provide financial assistance to key Afghan institutions; to promote agricultural development; to address detention issues; to support Afghan-led reconciliation efforts; and to fix contracting practices. All of these efforts must be underpinned by accountability on both sides. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with whichever candidate emerges from the elections, based upon a renewed spirit of cooperation.
So, it is not just the Afghan people who need to understand the candidates' platforms and plans. We members of the international community would like to know these things as well. The United States is one nation among a great partnership of more than 40 nations, some from NATO, and others friends from the region and more distant allies and partners that have joined with the people and government of Afghanistan. We have lost our sons and daughters, just as you, the Afghan people have, and we have invested significant development assistance during difficult economic times.
Our commitment to a sovereign and stable Afghanistan is extraordinary and long term. We are prepared to forge ahead based on common interests and mutual obligations. We stand with absolute impartiality regarding who should be the next president of Afghanistan. But all of us will benefit from clarity as to what policy goals we should expect from the next administration.
This is an exciting time to be in Afghanistan. Walking through the bazaars of Helmand, Wardak, Kunduz, Herat, Uruzgan, Khost, and numerous other provinces where the Afghan people are defending against destabilizing forces, I have seen their hope and thirst for progress. Candidates -- some prominent, some relatively new to the national stage -- are for the most part embracing their responsibility to discuss the issues. Ongoing televised debates remind me that, though we may be separated by barriers of language and culture, the democratic process in Afghanistan is like our own: an intense competition of political ideas to the benefit of the common citizen.
As we approach Afghanistan's historic presidential and provincial council elections on August 20th, let me be clear once again - the United States does not support or endorse any candidate in this election. Only the Afghan people can decide who will best lead their country for the next five years. And as an important political force, you, the young voters of your nation, have a significant stake in this election, and in future elections. No one knows this better than all of you and no one bears the responsibility for building that future more than you, the next generation of Afghan leaders. Know that the United States of America, and almost the entire international community, stands with you in your historic venture.
Thank you.