How do you have elections in Afghanistan when most there don't read and there's a war going on? Most Afghanistan people are more concerned with basic needs and services, but America feels it's necessary to have elections. Why?
What would the ballots look like in this country where most don't read? Would there be pictures of the candidates? Wouldn't any candidate running for office, by putting themselves on the ballot, be opening themselves up to assassination by the Taliban?
Security and services seem to be the most important objective right now.
Would the Afghan people be opposed to an American administration providing these things during the interim period of time? At least that way, the corruption would be kept to a minimum.
Many millions of dollars of America aid is making it's way out of Afghanistan to the offshore accounts of corrupt Afghanistan government officials. The U.S. should take over the running of the country until the war has ended and security and services are being provided.
Create the infrastructure, like electric plants, water, and schools, and then have elections.
“We all know that corruption hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development. It means taking money away from the most needy, fueling their frustration and anger.
“It undermines the credibility of the State by damaging its ability to provide basic services.
It undermines the building of much needed infrastructure and of strong institutions. It diminishes confidence in democracy. It undermines confidence in government and those who govern at every level of society. It keeps investors away instead of attracting them"
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29353&Cr=afghan&Cr
Elections were to take place before 22 May under the constitution but a new date of 18 September has been set.
The commission cited a lack of funds and security concerns for the delay.
Last year's presidential election was marred by fraud, and Western nations have been pushing for reforms ahead of the parliamentary vote.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8477368.stm
What do you think?
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