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Karzai will surely win: head of pre-election campaign (INTERVIEW)

Politics Materials 8 August 2009 09:26 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, August 7 / Trend , D.Khatinoglu /

Presidential election will take place in Afghanistan on August 20. Trend Persian desk's exclusive interview with the head of Hamid Karzai's election campaign Vehid Omer.  

Trend : Prior to the presidential election, the Taliban have increased its activities. Free and Fair Elections Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA) expresses the proper level of stability in ten provinces. How do You assess the impact of attempt of the Taliban to disrupt the stability on the presidential election?

Vehid Omer: The people and authorities are considering the presidential election as the basis for the future of the country and try that these elections are conducted in an atmosphere of stability, but the Taliban is trying to derail the elections. Personally, I believe that the Taliban do not have sufficient force to break the stability in Afghanistan. They simply could cause fear in some regions, particularly in the south of the country that does not harm electoral process. In any case, people will come to the polling stations and vote.

Q: In addition to the two major parties in Afghanistan - People's Islamic Unity Party and People's Islamic Movement, Hamid Karzai was supported by many mayors, governors and prominent personalities. To what extent do You believe in Karzai's victory and what is people's attitude towards Karzai?

A: Many appreciated Karzai's attempts since 2001 in the interests of the people and country. On the other hand, Karzai is known as an impartial person amongst the people and parties. In this case, there are a lot of hopes that he will create the country's unity. At present, Karzai is supported by the majority of parties, organizations and individuals that have gained the support of people. Thus, I believe that Karzai will win surely, we just strive to win more votes. Through his balanced policy in the sphere of religion, modernization, development and culture, Karzai has also gained the support of religious leaders.

Q: From August 4, with the participation of 1,600 women activists, a campaign "Signature of five million women" started. One of the problems in Afghanistan is linked to the rights of women in elections, the right to participate in the governance of the country. What measures do You take in this regard and what are your plans for the use of the potential of more than five million women in the country, who have the right to vote?

A: During the Taliban government (1996-2001), women faced with a violation of their rights, more restrictions, not only in politics but also in public spheres. Therefore, we paid special attention to their activation and development. Currently, women play a notable role in political and public spheres. Last time, 30 percent of participants in the presidential election was women. We hope that despite the threat of the Taliban, some of the existing restrictive traditions in the country and other factors, women demonstrate even greater activity in the upcoming presidential elections.

Q: Authorities negatively reacted to the meeting of U.S. Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrook, with the presidential candidates of Afghanistan. What do You think about the possibility of intervention or interference of foreign forces in the election process?

A: Some candidates want to conduct their pre-election campaigns, as well as to bring their plans to people with the participation of the foreign ambassadors. They tried to show that they are supported by the foreign forces. We believe that the international community and the West have always played a positive role in Afghanistan and did not do anything to the detriment of the country. Without the West, holding democratic elections would be impossible in Afghanistan.

However, we have always been one requirement for the foreign forces - the elections are an internal affair of Afghanistan, and intervention, participation, or other type of influence of any foreign forces is unacceptable. We only want the international community to provide us with support to hold elections in an atmosphere of stability. In my opinion, the international community is already showing an impartial position in the election.

Q: More than half of the presidential candidates accuses other candidates of acquiring the votes with miney. On the other hand, the last report of the Media Commission contained claims that last month, the national media acted in favor of Karzai. Many connect it with the unequal situation in the elections and with the fact that four candidates refused to participate in the election. What can You say about this?

A: Firstly I should make it clear that up to now, three candidates refused to participate in the elections in favor of Karzai. Also I add that Karzai has not promised anything to any of them. They withdrew their nominations only for the reason that they are sure that Karzai will surely win. With regards to the rumors that Karzai used national media and public budget in his election campaign, we've made this matter entirely clear and in this regard, there are no facts and evidences against us.

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