Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug.22 / Trend E.Ostapenko/
European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner considers the Afghan elections as the victory for Afghan nation and a victory for democracy, the EU reported.
"Despite the difficulties and threats, the Afghan people chose to vote and chose to express their will. It is clear that this is a victory for the Afghan people and a victory for democracy," Waldner said.
"Democracy is a process and not a single event. The European Commission is fully committed to the stabilization and democratization of Afghanistan and will continue its long-term engagement in the country," Waldner added.
At present, Afghanistan is calculating the results of the presidential elections held on Aug.20. Despite terrorist's numerous threats, more people attended the elections.
About 50-55 percent of electorates participated in the elections, Vice-President of the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission, Davud Najafi told Trend earlier.
After the beginning of the U.S. military operations in Afghanistan in 2001, this presidential election will be the second. During presidential election in 2004, Hamid Karzai won, gaining 55 percent of votes.
A total of 40 presidential candidates have run in this election. The incumbent President Hamid Karzai's key opponents are former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah and former Finance Minister Ashraf Gani Ahmadzi in the current presidential elections.
It is now for the Afghan election authorities to carry out, in a transparent way, the tabulation of results and to declare the elected candidates, Waldner said.
"I hope that all candidates will act with wisdom, respect the results and show their commitment to work towards the future. Challenges to the process should be based on legal merits and follow the procedures established by law," Waldner said.
The final results will be publicized after the conclusion of the committee on claims and complaints. The Central Election Commission will announce the results on Sep.17. If none of presidential candidate obtains the majority of votes (50 percent+1 vote), then the date for the second round of elections will be announced on the same day.
"I would like to thank all, who have been involved in the electoral process and who made this election possible with their relentless efforts and courage," Waldner added.
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