News

Final Afghan election results out, BBC (2005)

This is an article about the results of the 2005 parliamentary election in Afghanistan.

Karzai declared Afghan president, BBC (2004)

This is an article about the result of the landmark presidential election in Afghanistan 2004.

Afghans sceptical about elections, BBC (2009)

This article follows a BBC reporter as he travels through the Northern part of Afghanistan to capture the mood towards the upcoming presidential elections in the country.

Appropriate steps taken to avoid rigging: AIEC, Pajhwok Afghan News (2009)

This article describes the measures taken by the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission (AIEC) in order to avert rigged votes.

Afghanistan's presidential election campaign an excercise in peril, Los Angeles Times (2009)

This article examines the logistical and security challenges facing the upcoming Afghani presidential election.

LIVE: Afghanistan Election 2009, BBC (2009)

A website provided by the BBC with access to live updates from the Afghanistan presidential elections, in-depth articles and guides.

Afghanistan election: President Hamid Karzai claims victory, The Daily Telegraph (2009)

The campaign team of incumbent president Hamid Karzai has claimed victory in the latest presidential elections of Aghanistan. Main opponent mr. Abdullah has disputed the claim.

Intimidation and Fraud Observed in Afghan Election, New York Times (2009)

This article examines the rising number of reports from the Afghan presidential election that states how fraud and intimidation were prevalent during the election. The low turnout of women was of particular concern.

Afghanistan election: Hamid Karzai widens lead over Abdullah Abdullah, Daily Telegraph (2009)

After one million of the votes cast counted, Mr. Hamid Karzai widens his lead in the preliminary results.

Hamid Karzai could face new vote after Afghanistan election recounts, Guardian (2009)

The article discusses the latest developments in post-election vote counting, noting that ballots from about a tenth of polling stations have to be re-counted because of fraud allegations. This is related to both the domestic situation in regards to Hamid Karzai and his closest challenger Abdullah Abdullah, and the international response.

One in 4 Afghan Ballots Face Check for Fraud, The New York Times (2009)

This article provides information about the newest developments regarding fraud allegations in the recent presidential elections in Afghanistan.

Karzai rival concerned with Afghan vote count, Reuters (2009)

This article focuses on the reaction of President Karzai's main rival Abdullah Abdullah on the decision to recount only a sample of votes in Afghanistan's presidential elections

Analysis - UN's Afghan vote fraud row shows split in West, Reuters (2009)

This article reports on the latest developments regarding election fraud in the most recent elections. It specifically reflects upon the latest in a series of events when a veteran U.S. diplomat accused his Norwegian UN boss of blocking anti-fraud efforts.

New rules increase chances of Karzai victory, The Globe and Mail (2009)

As the vote recount begins, the chances of President Karzai to be re-elected seem to increase.

U.N. Data Show Discrepancies in Afghan Vote, The Washington Post (2009)

The voter turnout data that has been kept confidential by the UN shows that in some provinces the official vote count exceeded the estimated number of voters by 100,000 or more.

President Karzai: War on Terror Against Al Qaeda Not in Afghanistan, Election Was 'Good and Fair', ABC News (2009)

Despite fraud and irregularities, President Karzai considers the recent elections "good and fair and worthy of praise."

Afghan election run-off likely in November - ex diplomat, Reuters (2009)

Diplomatic sources expect President Karzai to get less than 50% after the re-count, which will lead to run-off elections that might take place as soon as November.

Afghanistan: Karzai 'stripped of outright win', BBC News (2009)

The Electoral Complaints Commission ordered ballots from 210 polling stations to be discounted as it found "clear and convincing evidence of fraud." Based on these results, run-off election seems inevitable.

Afghan election officials fired ahead of run-off, Reuters (2009)

As President Karzai faces Abdullah Abdullah in run-off elections, the heads of more than half of Afghanistan's district election offices will be replaced in order to prevent fraud.

Security fears over hasty Afghan run-off: poll boss, Reuters (2009)

Election authorities are concerned about the security situation during the run-off presidential elections. It is unclear whether security forces will have enough time to secure thousands of voting stations only a few weeks before the scheduled elections.

Afghans hurry to stage election runoff, The Guardian (2009)

The UN starts delivering ballot kitts across Afghanistan, while the number of polling stations is reduced by 7, 000 and 200 out of the 2, 950 district election coordinators are replaced in an effort to reduce fraud.

Afghan contender considers boycott, ABC News (2009)

Ramazan Bashardost who came in third in the first round of presidential elections considers urging a boycott of a run-off election scheduled for November 7.

Call to sack Afghan election head, BBC News (2009)

One of the conditions for a fair second round of elections set by Abdullah Abdullah today is that the chief of the Indepedent Election Commission, who according to Abdullah has no credibility, be sacked.

Tensions soar as Karzai rejects opponent's call to fire election officials, The Globe and Mail (2009)

The tension between President Karzai and his opponent Abdullah Abdullah reached new heights as Karzai rejected Abdullah's demand to fire a high profile list of election officials.

Fraud fears grow as Afghan election body defies UN, The Guardian (2009)

The Independent Election Commission announced that it plans to open 155 more polling stations than during the first round of the presidential elections, despite the UN claims that there will be a reduction in order to limit fraud.

Abdullah pulls out of Afghan vote, BBC News (2009)

President Karzai's rival in the second round of presidential elections scheduled for November 7, 2009, Abdullah Abdullah announced that he is withdrawing from the poll.

Afghanistan: UN chief in Kabul as pressure mounts over run-off vote, Reuters (2009)

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is to meet President Karzai and his opponent Abdullah as pressure grows to abandon the plans for a run-off election after the withdrawal of Abdullah.

Karzai Gets New Term as Afghan Runoff is Scrapped, The New York Times (2009)

Independent Electoral Commission canceled Saturday's run-off elections, after Abdullah Abdullah withdrew from the race, and declared Hamid Karzai a winner.

Afghan president Hamid Karzai vows inclusive government, Times Online (2009)

Re-elected President Karzai has vowed to form an inclusive government and promised to get rid of corruption.

Afghanistan's Abdullah says Karzai re-election lacks legitimacy, VOA News (2009)

President Karzai's main opponent called president's re-election illegal and said that the government installed under such circumstances will not be able to fight corruption.

UN declares Afghan election "credible, legitimate", Reuters (2009)

Despite the widespread fraud used by critics to challenge the legitimacy of the recent presidential election, the UN General Assembly has declared Afghanistan's presidential election credible, sound and legitimate.

Afghan parliament vote confirmed for May, Reuters (2010)

The date for the election of the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) was confirmed for May 22, 2010 - the latest possible date under the current constitution. The critics, including some Western countries say however, that this date does not give enough time to introduce the needed electoral law reforms, which would ensure that another flawed election result would be averted.

Afghanistan postpones parliamentary election by 4 months, The New York Times (2010)

The Independent Election Commission announced postponement of the parliamentary elections, originally scheduled for May 2010, to September 18, 2010. The cited reasons for this decision are lack of money, logistical challenges and the continuing violence. The postponement was welcomed by international organizations and Western governments, who have been urging Afghanistan to delay the elections until electoral reforms are adopted.

Afghanistan bans 6, 000 election workers, Reuters (2010)

6, 000 out of the 165, 000 election workers who took part in last year's presidential elections have been banned from working on this year's parliamentary vote by Afghanistan's election commission. According to the Commission, this ban is for failing to abide by the commission's "mechanisms and procedures".

Afghan leader asserts control over election body, The New York Times (2010)

Putting into effect a legislative decree that rewrote the election law, President Karzai will now be able to choose the five members of the Election Complaint Commission, after consultation with the Parliament. Three seats were previously appointed by the UN, while the other two were held by Afghans. The Election Complaint Commission reported the election irregularities in previous elections, forcing the run-off. The opposition has widely denounced this law change.

Afghanistan: Karzai allows foreign poll monitors, Aljazeera (2010)

After fierce criticism of his decision to ban foreign observers from monitoring the upcoming parliamentary elections, President Karzai offered two seats in the Electoral Complaints Commission to foreigners. Afghans will still have the majority vote though. It is still unclear if the President will appoint the foreign commission members himself, or if the UN will have this right.

Afghan Leader Asserts Control Over Election Body, The New York Times (2010)

President Hamid Karzai has moved to ensure that he can handpick members of an electoral monitoring commission, removing significant United Nations oversight of future elections.

Afghan parliament's lower house rejects Karzai election proposals, The Washington Post (2010)

The lower house of the Afghan parliament on 31 March resoundingly rejected President Hamid Karzai's bid to change the nation's elections law and to exert more control over the commission that investigates voting fraud.

Afghanistan’s 2010 Parliamentary Elections – Where Are We Now? , UN Dispatch News (2010)

Afghanistan was supposed to hold its next parliamentary elections this May, but those were postponed until the fall for security, logistical and financial reasons.

President Obama needs to rethink the chill in Afghan relations, The Washington Post (2010)

President Obama declared that he was displeased with Mr. Karzai's performance. The Afghan leader has denounced alleged Western interference in last year's elections and declaring that he will not be an American puppet, even if that means "I'll join the Taliban."

Afghan poll body backs Karzai on electoral row, The Washington Post (2010)

Afghanistan's election commission said on 6 April it backed a decree by President Hamid Karzai that limits foreigners' role in elections, scoring him another point in a dispute that has put him at odds with Washington.

Afghan election chief and deputy resign, BBC (2010)

The head of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) and his deputy have resigned, officials say.

New Afghan election chief promises to clean house, Washington Post (2010)

Afghanistan's newly appointed election chief promised on Sunday to remove officials responsible for fraud in last year's presidential vote in time to hold a cleaner parliamentary election this year.

Afghan vote registration opens, law unresolved, Reuters (2010)

Afghan election authorities opened registration on 20 April for candidates standing in a parliamentary election, without resolving a dispute between parliament and President Hamid Karzai over the law for the vote.

United Nations Endorses Afghan President’s Choice to Lead Election Commission, New York Times (2010)

After months of pressure from Western leaders seeking to avoid another fraud-ridden election, President Hamid Karzai on Saturday chose a new head of Afghanistan’s election commission, who received the immediate endorsement of the United Nations.

Afghan parliamentary election fraud 'inevitable without reform', The Telegraph (2010)

The unpublished report on fraud in last year's presidential poll said the risk of similar cheating was inevitable without widespread reform.

U.S. lost in Afghan vote, Los Angeles Time (2010)

Peter W. Galbraith explains why the coming parliamentary elections could be even more fraudolent and how this could influence Afghanistan's future.

Int'l backers ready to support Afghanistan's parliamentary elections, The Global Times (2010)

The UN Special Representative in Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura, and the newly-appointed Chief of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission, Fazal Ahmad Manawi, held a joint press conference in Kabul. The UN Representative announced that Afghanistan's international backers are ready to provide their support and funding for the nation's elections.

Abdullah: Afghan parliamentary election a 'big test', The Washington Times (2010)

Former Afghan Foreign Minister, Abdullah Abdullah, warns the Afghan people about the coming parliamentary elections. During his visit in the United States, Mr. Abdullah reaffirms the importance of the international community's support.

Ambassador: Afghan poll likely to be undemocratic, The Irish Examiner (2010)

EU ambassador, Vygaudas Usacksas, expressed concerns about the upcoming elections in Afghanistan. The EU and the Americans, the ambassador declared, have been exaggerating the expectations.

Afghan challenger Abdullah Abdullah to form opposition, The Australian (2010)

The former foreign minister in Mr Karzai's government, Abdullah Abdullah, announced that he is working to form a democratic opposition force.

Afghan election commission to set up 5,800 polling centers, Global Times (2010)

The Afghan Independent Election Commission announced the institution of 5,800 polling centers in Afghanistan. The national and international authorities will now evaluate the security issues in each of these centers. The elections will be held on September 18.

AFGHANISTAN: Avoid using schools in elections, say agencies, IRIN Asia (2010)

This article discusses the use of schools as polling stations in Afghanistan and the security implications.

Hundreds of candidates to be on Afghan ballot, Miami Herald (2010)

This article discusses the challenges for the coming Afghan elections. 2.600 candidates will run for the 249 seats, and they will start campaigning this week. The September 18 elections will be a major test on the stability and political progress of the country.

Afghan parliamentary vote will test security conditions, Miami Herald (2010)

This article discusses the start of the electoral campaign in Afghanistan. The number of candidates has dramatically increased in the last months, for example 700 candidates will be running in Kabul only. These elections will be a very important test for the Karzai administration and for the whole democratic process.

List of Afghan parliamentary candidates finalized, Xinhua (2010)

The Chief of the Afghan Independent Election Commission announced the finalized list of candidates for the parliamentary election. 21 candidates were removed from the list (mostly for being associated to illegal groups), 31 were disqualified, and 48 withdrew voluntarily. Elections are scheduled for September 18.

UN: Afghan election preparations proceeding, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the preparations of the September's legislative elections in Afghanistan. The UN officials announced that despite the security issues, preparations are going well. More than 2,500 candidates (400 women) will be running for the 249 seats in the parliament.

Afghan women candidates rise 22% for September vote, UN says, Bloomberg BusinessWeek (2010)

This article discusses the gender issue in the upcoming elections in Afghanistan. The women candidates for September's legislative election rose 22% since five years ago. 400 women will be running (out of the 2,635 candidates) this year, while 328 women presented themselves in the 2005 elections.

U.N.-backed panel disqualifies Afghan poll candidates, Reuters (2010)

The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) has banned dozens of candidates from the upcoming parliamentary elections due to alleged links to illegal armed groups. 12.5 million people are expected to be registered to vote.

Dozens of Candidates Banned from Afghan Elections, VOA (2010)

The UN-backed Electoral Complaints Commission has disqualified 36 candidates from competing in the upcoming parliamentary elections as a result of alleged ties to armed groups. Last year's presidential election was marred by fraud and election official have said they are committed to fair parliamentary elections.

Finland to support Afghanistan's parliamentary elections in September, ISRIA (2010)

This article discusses Finland's decision to finance and support the organization of the upcoming elections in Afghanistan. Finland will grant € 250,000 through the UNDP Electoral Fund to support the democratic development in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan ready for September polls: says election body, Sify (2010)

This article reports on the preparations for the upcoming general elections in Afghanistan. The head of the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission, Fazal Ahmad Manawi, declared that everything is running smoothly in the preparations, and that there should be no delay despite of the many complications. On September 18, 2.556 candidates will be competing for the 249 seats in the Parliament.

Afghan blast kills election candidate, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the killing of a candidate for the September parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. The candidate, Sayedullah Sayed, was killed in a bomb attack in the Khost mosque. Election-related violence is a major issue in the country: in the 2009 presidential elections there were more than 130 attacks on polling centres and other targets.

Former Gitmo detainee runs for Afghan office, The Seattle Times (2010)

This article discusses the candidacy of Izatullah Nasrat Yar for the Afghan Parliament. Mr. Yar is a former "enemy combatant" prisoner from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and he now decided to run in the upcoming September elections to change the political situation in his country. 2,500 candidates will be competing as well. The International Crisis Group urged the Afghan government to postpone the elections, as many issues that undermined last year's Presidential elections are still unsolved.

Unrest is undermining hopes for Afghan vote, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the latest events in preparation for the elections in Afghanistan. Elections are coming up, but the process is seriously undermined by the rising violence. There will be no free and fair elections is security is not guaranteed in the polling stations, as there will be many opportunities for fraud.

Afghanistan election fraud fears force 900 polling stations to stay shut, The Guardian (2010)

This article comments the electoral officials' decision not to open 900 polling stations in the most violent areas for the September election. The Independent Electoral Commission's initial plan was to open 6,835 polling centers, but the NATO forces believe that it will not be possible. 2,545 candidates will be competing for the 249-seat assembly.

Security fears shutter Afghan polls, Aljazeera (2010)

This article reports on the security issues for the upcoming elections in Afghanistan. The government decided not to open 15% of the country's polling stations (about 900) due to security reasons in some regions. Once again, security proves to be the main problem for the September elections.

Afghan poll a chance for change or more of the same, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the political situation in Afghanistan in preparation for the upcoming elections. 17.5 million registered voters can cast their ballots on September 18, but the expected turnout is very low. 2,500 candidates are competing for the 249 seats in the lower house (Walesi Jirga). Security is still a major issue in the country, despite the presence of almost 150,00 foreign troops.

Q+A: How does Afghanistan parliamentary election work? Reuters (2010)

This article presents a series of questions and answers on the election process in Afghanistan, and in particular on the September parliamentary elections. The legal framework, the electoral and political party systems and the major issues are clearly outlined and discussed.

Security concerns make Afghan elections dangerous for politicians, voters alike, The Washington Post (2010)

This article reports on the electoral campaign in Afghanistan. Security is still a major issue in the campaign: candidates fear for their lives, voters are scared and suspicious. Last week, the election officials announced that more than 900 polling stations will remain closed for security reasons, but international observers are criticizing the electoral commission for not implementing other measures against fraud for example.

Afghanistan looks with dread at approaching elections, Spiegel (2010)

This article reports on the political situation in Afghanistan. The September parliamentary elections are approaching and security has become a major problem in the country. Despite of the NATO troops and the newly-trained Afghan army, the number of terrorist attacks is on the rise, making all candidates and voters potential targets. Most of the planned polling station will not be open on September 18.

Record numbers of Afghan women brave death threats to stand for parliament, The Herald Sun (2010)

This article reports on the Afghan parliamentary elections. The women running for next month's elections reportedly faced death threats, ad their election posters have been targeted by vandals. These issues came unexpectedly to the female candidates, 406 out of the 2,500 candidates.

Afghan elections: Record number of women stand for parliament, The Guardian (2010)

This article presents the women who are running for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The number of would-be female MPs has more than doubled since 2005, yet women in Afghan politics have to face a lot of issues and prejudice. Many women complained about the government's indifference towards their security (as many of them faced death threats).

Outcry over Afghanistan's election poster 'menace', BBC News (2010)

This article discusses the Afghan Election Commission's struggle against illegal electoral posters. In Kabul, every building, wall, road sign and even pavement has been covered with posters advertising candidates for the September parliamentary elections. Sticking posters on public property is illegal under the country's election laws, and candidates can be fined up to $173. The Election Commission has fined 155 candidates so far.

U.S. concerned over Afghan voter turnout, violence, Reuters (2010)

This article report on the security issues in the Afghan electoral process. The United States expects a sharp increase in terrorist attacks in the next month, and the elections will be a great test for the country's stability. The election turnout will probably be very low in the Northern regions, where the Taliban are still fighting. Corruption and vote-buying will probably be the major issue in assessing the integrity of the elections.

Taliban attacks expected to increase pre-election in Afghanistan, The Malaysian Sun (2010)

This article reports on new threats to the elections in Afghanistan. The Taliban forces are expected to undermine the integrity of the elections, and to intimidate candidates and voters. The elections will be a clear indication of how the Karzai government is managing the security issues.

Kidnapped workers of Afghan female MP found dead, BBC News (2010)

This article discusses the security issue in the electoral campaign in Afghanistan. Five people working for a female candidate running in the parliamentary election in Afghanistan have been killed. Police officials believe that Taliban insurgents might have carried out the executions, as they openly opposed the female candidates in the elections.

Campaign workers killed as Afghan violence spreads, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the security situation in Afghanistan. As elections are approaching, the security situation is deteriorating. Five campaign workers have been found dead in the western Herat province. The five people were campaigning for an outspoken female MP seeking re-election, Fawzia Gilani. During the weekend, a candidate from the same area, Haji Abdul Manan, was killed while walking towards a mosque.

Threats increase against Afghan parliamentary candidates, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the sharp increase of threats against candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. So far, three candidates and 13 campaign supporters have been killed, and the Afghanistan elections commission announced that violence will increase in the next month ahead of the elections.

Afghan election campaign workers 'killed in air strike', BBC News (2010)

This article reports on the death of ten election campaign workers. The campaign workers were killed by NATO-led forces, while they were carrying out an attack against a senior member of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, in the Takhar province. The attack was carried out without informing the authorities, and only the ten civilians died. President Karzai condemned the event.

Taliban vows to disrupt Afghan elections, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from the Afghan electoral campaign. On Sunday, the Taliban announced their intentions to disrupt the upcoming parliamentary elections. The Taliban also asked the Afghan people to boycott the elections, and pledged to continue with their attacks.

Afghanistan: Taliban threatens election violence, ABC News (2010)

This article reports on the security issues in Afghanistan. The Taliban leaders announced that they will attack security forces, election workers, candidates and voters during the polls and the electoral campaign. The elections are scheduled for September 18.

More Afghan poll sites to stay closed as security woes rise, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the Independent Election Commission's reaction to the security issues in Afghanistan. This week, the Commission decided that more polling stations will not open (15% of all the stations). The September parliamentary elections will be crucial to test the country's stability, but threats from Taliban are rising. Last month, the IEC decided not to open 940 of the 6,900 polling stations due to security reasons in the most violent areas. After this week decisions, the total number of closed stations will be more than 1,000.

Afghan Elections: Why So Many Politicians Run in Kabul, TIME (2010)

This article discusses the political situation and the electoral campaign in the Afghan capital, Kabul. More than a quarter of all candidates are running in this city, and the article tries to explain the reasons for this. Most of the people in Afghanistan moved to Kabul to find refuge from the lawlessness and violence in the provinces. Many candidates are even running for their provinces of origins from the capital, without ever going in their home town. Another factor that is drawing candidates to the capital is the amount of money coming from the war economy.

Women hopefuls face particular risks in Afghan poll, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the difficulties that women have to face while running for the elections in Afghanistan. Endless threats, abusive emails and phone calls are only the tip of a widespread trend of intimidations against female candidates. The quota for the women in the lower house of the parliament set by the Afghan Constitution is 68 out of 249.

Human Rights Watch says Afghan elections threatened by violence, lack of security, TODAY (2010)

This article presents the Human Rights Watch report on the elections in Afghanistan. The reports denounced the total lack of security, and the threats that many candidates, especially the women, have to face.

Afghan villagers set up security force for elections, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (2010)

This article reports on a group of villagers' initiative to set up an armed force to help the police in the Balkh Province for the upcoming elections. A dozen villages have been involved in this initiative, and 80 men armed with Kalashnikov rifles. The elections are scheduled for September 18, and the Taliban forces pledged to disrupt the electoral process with attacks to candidates and voters.

Afghanistan: Taliban 'threatening election legitimacy', The Morning Star (2010)

This article discusses the report of US-based organization, Human Right Watch, on the elections in Afghanistan. Human Right s Watch reported that candidates running for the September parliamentary elections in Afghanistan have being constantly threatened and intimidated. Women candidate, the report said, are especially at risk. Election officials reported that in the eastern provinces, the Taliban are making house visits to threaten the people.

Afghan less confident in elections this time, Gallup (2010)

This article presents the Gallup poll on the confidence level towards the elections in Afghanistan. According to the poll, the lack of confidence in the honesty of their elections is sharply increasing among Afghan voters. 67% of the Afghan adults interviewed do not trust their electoral process. This trend could translate into very low voter turnout in the September elections.

Koran-burning protests could delay Afghan poll: U.N., Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the warning of the UN mission in Afghanistan about a possible delay. According to Staffan de Mistura, the UN SG Special Representative, believes that these anti-Muslim protests could have a substantial effect on the electoral process in the country, as it would give the Taliban an excuse to use violence. These types of protest would only provoke angry reactions, and encourage more people to join the extremists. The Independent Election Commission is planning to postpone the poll in some provinces where there are security issues. 17.5 million voters are registered, but the turnout is expected to be around 5-7 million.

Afghan election officials 'offered £380,000', The Telegraph (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates on the Afghan elections. In the upcoming Saturday's elections, observers are expecting fraud and electoral malpractices. In the last presidential elections, observers reported on several episodes of vote-buying, ballot stuffing and intimidation.

Afghanistan election campaign proceeds amid Taliban threats, Central Asia Online (2010)

This article reports on the electoral campaign in Afghanistan. The Afghan officials stated that all preparations for the September 18 elections are almost completed and they are encouraging people to participate. The Independent Electoral Commission expressed its concerns over the security challenges, but it has not exercised its constitutional power to postpone the poll.

Afghan elections, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports discusses the latest updates for the elections in Afghanistan. In next Saturday's elections, 2,447 candidates will be competing for the 249 seats in the lower house. A very low voter turnout is expected, as security is a major issue. According to international experts, some improvements have been made since the last elections, but these polls are likely to be marred by electoral fraud and malpractice.

Fears raised over influx of fake Afghan poll cards, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the thousands of fake voter registration cards discovered in Afghanistan. Security and fraud are the main issues in the Saturday elections in Afghanistan. The Electoral Complains Commission and the Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan reported on the discovery of the fake cards, which could be up to 3 million (about a sixth of the voters): an unprecedented number. The authorities announced that any person found with a fake card will be arrested, and guaranteed that special measures will be implemented to recognize the real cards.

Next Afghan vote "not perfect" but better: UN envoy, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the statements of the UN envoy in Afghanistan about the forthcoming elections. The elections, the UN diplomat stated, will not be perfect, but many improvements have been made since last year's presidential elections. The electoral campaign have been marred by security issues, and four candidates have been killed so far. The Afghan security forces announced that special measures have been implemented for the security of the elections, and that they are "completely prepared".

Afghan women join fight for election, Channel 4 News (2010)

This article reports on the electoral campaign of the women candidates in the Afghan elections. Despite threats and intimidations, many women decided to run for the lower house of the parliament, where a quarter of the 249 seats is reserved for women. According to the Afghan law, women candidates cannot hold political rallies, and they are forced to meet inside people's home.

For Afghans, a further disconnect, The Washington Post (2010)

This article reports on the major issues in the preparations of the Afghan parliamentary election. Last week, the Independent Electoral Commission decided to close more than 1,000 polling stations, affecting 1.5 million Afghans in the southern and eastern provinces. Many experts believe that this will create further disengagement from the central government, as the people living in those regions will be left at the mercy of the Taliban. This decision will also deepen ethnic rivalries, forbidding large segments of the Pashtun population to participate in the elections.

Taliban will attack Afghanistan polls at weekend, British commander warns, The Telegraph (2010)

This article reports on the statements of the British Major General commanding the troops in southern Afghanistan, Nick Carter, about the possibility of Taliban attacks during the election day. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for Saturday, but Major General Carter believes that the insurgents will organize many attacks to disrupt the elections.

Threats loom over Afghan elections, USA Today (2010)

This article discuss the security issues in Afghanistan. British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter stated that these upcoming elections will be successful only if they will be less violent than last year. The Taliban insurgents pledged to disrupt the elections and will force people not to vote with threats and intimidations.

Afghan electoral workers slain by Taliban, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the killing of two people from the Afghan election body. The two electoral worker were killed by a Taliban attack in the northern Balkh province. According to the Independent Election Commission, 21 electoral workers and campaign staff have been killed so far, and 26 have been wounded.

Bar set low for Afghan parliamentary elections, The Los Angeles Times (2010)

This article discusses the international community's attitude towards the Saturday elections in Afghanistan. According to the author, all actors are trying to dampen expectations in advance of the vote. The head of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura, stated that these elections will not be perfect. Experts believe that the process is still highly vulnerable to vote-rigging and fraud.

Australians at risk during Afghan poll, The Sydney Morning Herald (2010)

This article reports on the security issues in Afghanistan. The authorities announced that special measures have been implemented to ensure that the elections will be peaceful, and Afghan and international military personnel will support the election commission. The Australian defense personnel will provide security assistance during the elections.

Afghanistan election threatened by more than the Taliban, VOA News (2010)

This article discusses all the obstacles that threaten to disrupt the Afghanistan's parliamentary elections. Security is the main challenge, as the Taliban military groups have pledged to set up many attacks against electoral officials and voters. Electoral fraud is certainly another issue, as last year's presidential elections were marred by vote-buying and corruption. According to international experts, this year it will be even harder to detect fraud because of the large number of candidates.

Afghans head to the polls amid threats of insurgent attacks, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the voting operations in Afghanistan. Security will be a major issue on the election day, as Taliban insurgents called for a boycott and threatened to kill whoever goes to the polls. In these first hours, the military officials reported few scattered attacks and roadside bombs.

Fake voter cards seized during Afghan parliamentary polls, Sify (2010)

This article reports on the election day in Afghanistan. A few hours after the elections began, officials seized fake voter registration cards in Kabul, the southern province of Helmand and in the northern province of Kunduz. Fraud has been one of them main issues in the preparation for this elections, but the Election Compliant Commission guaranteed that all the necessary measures have been taken.

Afghanistan: Explosion rattles Kabul before voting, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the situation in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on election day. Before the opening of the polling stations, an explosion spread panic in the streets. Taliban insurgents vowed to disrupt the poll.

Graft, poverty keep many Afghans away from polls, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the likely voter turnout in the Afghan elections. Security issues will prevent many Afghans from voting, but even in stable regions the turnout is expected to be low. 11.4 million Afghans are eligible to vote, and a low turnout would greatly affect the credibility of the whole electoral process.

Scenarios: How Afghanistan's parliamentary poll might play out, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the possible issues that might turn out in Afghanistan during the poll. A series of rocket attacks marked the start of the polling, and show very clearly how security could play out. Low turnout might also be a factor that would undermine the credibility of the elections. 17.5 million people registered to vote, but the election commission announced that only 11.4 million are eligible.

U.N. says premature to call Afghan poll a success, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the preliminary statement of the UN diplomat, Staffan de Mistura, about the Afghan elections. He stated that the Election Commission have done a great job, but it is very early to talk about a success.

Fraud and turnout weight on "miracle" Afghan poll, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the initial assessments on the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. The election day was marred by a series of issues: widespread fraud was reported, as well as an unsettling low voter turnout. About 17 people have been killed across the country. According to the initials figures, 3.6 million out of the 11.4 eligible people voted. Preliminary results will be released on October 8, and the final results before October 30.

Afghanistan election: fraud could delay result for months, observers warn, The Guardian (2010)

This article discusses the vote counting operations in Afghanistan. The final results will probably be released in a few months because of the fraud and abuses in the election day. The country's biggest electoral monitoring group, the Free and Fair Elections Foundation of Afghanistan reported ballot stuffing, proxy and underage voting in almost of the provinces. Observers reported ballot stuffing even after the polling closed. Threats and intimidations kept the people away from the polling booth: the Independent Election Commission reported that 3.6 million ballots were cast.

Afghan election commission reports new evidence of serious fraud, The Miami Herald (2010)

This article reports on the Independent Election Commission's reports of electoral fraud in last week's election. The IEC found new evidence of serious fraud, which delineates a pattern of widespread intimidation, vote rigging and violence. On the southern districts the voter turnout exceeded 100%: in one district in the Paktika province, there was a 626% turnout.

Abduction of candidates rocks Afghanistan election, The Herald Scotland (2010)

This article reports on the abduction of 19 poll workers and one candidate on the eve of the Afghan parliamentary election. Widespread intimidation seriously undermined the credibility of the elections. Furthermore, the low turnout was one of the major issue. On election day, Staffan de Mistura talked of 5-7 million votes cast, but recent reports on the Independent Election Commission reported even a lower number (3.9 million).

Afghanistan Election Data - Website

The National Democratic Institute created "a web-based compendium of security incidents, patterns of previous electoral fraud and demographic stats from across Afghanistan." Afghanistan Election Data was created to guarantee transparency and accessibility to the electoral processes in Afghanistan. Results and analysis of the 2010 elections will be available shortly, while users can already access data from the 2009, 2005 and 2004 elections.

Afghan elections: Corruption coul again thwart democracy, TIME (2010)

This article discusses the outcomes of the Afghan elections. Reports from observers and candidates describe the ruling anarchy on election day. According to the author, one unexpected consequence of the widespread reporting of corruption in the government and in the parliament is that now more people are seeking a slice of the pie.

Afghan poll watchdog probes 2,500 fraud complaints, BBC (2010)

Afghan election officials report they have received about 2,500 complaints of fraud and irregularities since the election last Saturday. All the allegations of fraud will be investigated by the Electoral Complaints Commission before the final results come out at the end of October.

Afghanistan's parliamentary election: Not exactly a ringing endorsement, The Economist (2010)

The same problems repeated in the parliamentary election as too little was done to clean up the electoral machinery of Afghanistan after the flawed presidential election last year. There are 5 million more voter cards than actual voters is an example. However, things have actually got worse as the Electoral Complaints Commission has lost much of its independence and neither President Hamid Karzai nor any of his international allies wants to look deeply into accusations or irregularities.

Afghan election commission orders recounts, Associated Press (2010)

Voting at locations in seven provinces after last week's parliamentary elections was ordered recounts by Afghan election officials on Sunday. More than 3,500 complaints of cheating or misconduct have been sent to government anti-fraud elections officials, of which 57 percent are serious enough to affect the outcome of a vote.

Evidence Mounts That Afghan Elections Marred by Fraud, FOX News (2010)

On Thursday, the Election Complaints Commission said they had received more than 3,000 complaints about election frauds. Such complaints include video clips which show ballot stuffing, handcuffing and detention of election workers, and even election officials bartering with candidates over the price of votes. Results of the parliamentary election in Afghanistan, which are expected to come out late this month, increasingly appear to be marred by frauds

Are lawmakers or lawbreakers winners of Afghan election?, The Citizen (2010)

Fraud-tainted election has disappointed those who hoped that the new parliament would hold President Hamid Kanzai to account. The recent parliamentary election is likely to produce an assembly as ineffective as its predecessor, in which "most of the MPs will be lawmakers, not lawmakers."

Allegations of fraud delay results of Afghan parliamentary election, The International (2010)

More than 3,000 complaints have been received by the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) since the parliamentary election on September 18. ECC officials said that investigation would delay the results of the election, which are expected to be announced at the end of October.

UN says Afghan election a positive sign, Associated Press (2010)

Despite many difficulties, Afghanistan managed to hold recent legislative elections, which shows that it is starting to take control of his own future. The Electoral Complaints Commission has received over 3,000 complaints since the elections but there are no signs of massive or systemic fraud. U.S. Ambassador Susan E. Rice also called the elections an "important, step toward a stronger, more stable Afghanistan."

More votes in Afghan election cancelled, AFP (2010)

Head of the Afghan Independent Election Commission, Mr Fazil Ahmad Manawi said votes cast at 39 polling centres have been cancelled after evidence of fraud found. Ballots cast at another 38 polling centres will also be recounted due to suspicion of fraud. It is reported that the detected fraud ranged from ballot-stuffing to multiple voting.

Afghan election official is held, police say, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the arrest of the provincial head of the Independent Election Commission in the Khost Province. In this province, the Electoral Complaints Commission received 206 written complaints. Shahzada Hassan is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for election positions, and many witnesses reported that even low-rank employees had to pay to be recruited.

Afghan election results delayed after fraud concerns, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the announcement of a delay in the release of the preliminary results of the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. The Electoral Commission announced that preliminary results will be released on October 17, eight days later than scheduled.

Afghans getting an eyeful of election fraud, The Globe and Mail (2010)

This article discusses the outcomes of the September parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. In the Afghan televisions, a series of mobile-phone videos testify on the widespread fraud on elections day. In the footage, one can witness ballot-box stuffing, people ticking off stacks of ballots, underage voting, and other electoral malpractices. So far, the Commission has invalidates the results of 227 of the 5,400 polling centers.

Thousands of complaints filed over Afghan elections, The Los Angeles Times (2010)

This article reports on the thousands of complaints received by the Electoral Complaints Commission. More than 4,000 complaints have been filed to contest the results of the parliamentary elections, and most of these could change the final results. As a results of these controversies, the Independent Election Commission decided to postpone the announcement of the preliminary results.

Afghan election complaint commission invalidates ballots of 69 polling centers, Global Times (2010)

Afghan Electoral Complaint Commission (ECC) announced on Wednesday that they had invalidated ballots of 69 more polling stations in Afghanistan's second parliamentary elections held last month. Also, the Independent Election Commission has so far invalidated 440 out of over 5,500 polling centers in the country.

Widespread Fraud Is Seen in Afghan Elections, New York Times (2010)

The preliminary results of the Afghanistan parliamentary elections last September 18, which were due to be announced last Sunday, were postponed. It is reported that fraud was pervasive and nearly 25 per cent of of the votes, which translates into approximately 800,000 to 1 million votes will be nullified.

Afghan poll results delayed, Aljazeera (2010)

This article reports on the Afghan government's decision to postpone the announcement of the preliminary results of the September 18 elections. The Independent Election Commission made this announcement a few hours before the deadline. So far, only partial results have been released because the Electoral Complaints Commission is still reviewing the many complaints (4,500 only in Kabul).

One million votes may be nullified amid reports of widespread fraud in Afghan elections, Sify (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting operations in Afghanistan. The preliminary results of the September 18 elections have not been released yet because of the widespread fraud that marred the elections. According to some Western officials, 25% of the votes will be nullified: from 800,000 to 1 million ballot papers.

Afghanistan's election panel disqualifies 10 percent of ballots, CNN (2010)

The Afghan Independent Election Commission reported on Monday that 10 per cent of votes cast in the parliamentary elections last month have been disqualified due to fraud. As investigation of fraud is still carrying on, the commission has delayed its announcement of preliminary results until Wednesday.

Official: Afghanistan to void some 1 million votes, The Associated Press (2010)

Afghan election officials will eliminate about 1 million ballots, approximately 23 percent of the total votes in the parliamentary election last month due to fraud. As recounting and investigation of fraud are still carrying on, the announcement of the preliminary results has been postponed.

Afghan Election Commission praised for its fairness, in spite of tainted voting, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the United Nations comments on the job of the Afghan Independent Election Commission. The special representative for Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura, praised the commission for its honest job, especially during the vote counting operations, and for the improvements in the managing of the post-polling day process. The elections, however, were marred by fraud and vote rigging.

Afghanistan: Big men, big money, big voting scam, CBS News (2010)

This article discusses the outcomes of the September Afghan elections. One after the election, the Electoral Complaints Commission is still investigating on more than 4,200 complaints. Voter turnout is still a big issue: right after the election, 3.6 million votes were collected. A few week after, the voter rose to 4.4 million, and now the Commission stated that there are 5.6 million (1.3 million of which have been discarded).

Afghan candidates and MPs call for new election, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the decision of few lawmakers and candidates to ask for new elections in Afghanistan. More than six weeks after the parliamentary election, the Independent Election Commission is still unable to release the preliminary results because of the high number of complaints submitted and malpractices witnessed on the election day.

Any hope I had in the ballot box bringing change in Afghanistan is gone, The Guardian (2010)

This article discusses the outcomes of the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. According to the author, the majority of Afghans have lost all hope in the government and in the electoral process as a whole.

Audio files raise new questions about Afghan elections, The Washington Post (2010)

This article reports on evidence of fraud in the Afghan parliamentary elections. The Afghan television aired some audio files of a phone call between an election official and (probably) cabinet minister Ismail Khan. In the conversation, the election official was instructed about which candidates should be declared winners. This evidence is now seriously damaging the credibility of the Independent Election Commission.

Afghans protest results of parliamentary elections, RFE/RL (2010)

This article reports on the demonstrations that took place in several Afghan cities to protest the results of the September parliamentary elections. The protesters accused the Independent Election Commission of neglecting the allegations of electoral fraud, and asked for a recount.

Caught on tape, a snippet of Afghan voting fraud, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the ongoing investigations on the alleged election fraud in Afghanistan. A new audiotape prove the election rigging in the city of Herat: a low-level functionary of the Independent Election Commission negotiates with Ismail Khan, an old warlord and now member of the government, to rig more than a dozen races in the elections. In the past week, the integrity and credibility of the election have been seriously undermined.

One in 10 victorious Afghan candidates banned for fraud, The Guardian (2010)

This article reports on the investigation into the widespread fraud in last month's Afghan parliamentary elections. Nearly one in 10 victorious candidates had been disqualified by the Electoral Complaints Commission in the past weeks. The Pashtuns, the largest ethnic groups, appeared to have lost their traditional influence over the country and its parliament.

119 candidates disqualified after Afghan parliamentary elections, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the work of the Electoral Complaints Commission in Afghanistan. The Commission disqualified a total of 119 candidates since the September 18 elections, 94 of them before the preliminary results were even published. More than 330 polling stations have been declared invalid.

Most Afghan parliamentary election results announced, BBC News (2010)

This article reports on the release of the final results for the September parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. The Independent Election Commission announced the final results for 33 constituencies, and only one province is still missing. An ongoing electoral fraud investigation delayed the announcement of the results. The voter turnout was around 40%.

Afghan prosecutor probes election misconduct, Forbes (2010)

This article reports on the decision of the Afghan attorney general to launch an investigation into the misconduct of the parliamentary elections. Mohammad Ishaq Alako made this announcement while the electoral authorities were announcing the final results of the elections, casting doubts on their credibility. Mr Alako is planning to investigate the legitimacy of the whole electoral process, and not just the allegations of criminal activities.

Afghanistan: Karzai government challenges election results, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on president Karzai's decision to challenge the final results of the parliamentary elections. According to same experts, 100 of the newly-elected MPs support the government, but many losing candidates have put pressure on Mr Karzai to void the election.

Afghan officials may order revote in one province, The Washington Post (2010)

This article reports on the possibility of a costly and complicated re-vote in one province, where technical problems have prevented the Independent Election Commission from certifying the final results. In the Ghazni province, Taliban violence intimidate the Pahtun community, the majority of the population, and 11 candidates from the Hazara minority won the seats. The Commission is still undecided on whther or not to schedule new elections.

Afghanistan elections thrown into turmoil after illegality claim, The Telegraph (2010)

This article reports on the protests that followed the announcement of the final results of the September parliamentary elections in Afghanistan. Main highways were blocked by angry supporters of failed candidates.

Ire at Afghan poll results, Al Jazeera (2010)

This video, released by Al Jazeera, analyzes the current situation in Afghanistan and reports on the aftermath of the announcement of the final results of the September parliamentary elections.

Arrests in Afghan poll fraud probe, Al Jazeera (2010)

This article reports on the arrest of a few people as part of an investigation on electoral fraud in the September parliamentary vote. The Afghan attorney general announced the arrests, adding that two of them were employees of Independent Election Commission. Prosecutors are also investigating five cases of election bribery.

Afghan election results stir up new controversy, NPR (2010)

This article reports on the reactions to the announcement of the final results of the Afghan parliamentary elections. Some analysts believe that the widespread fraud eroded many Afghans' faith in democracy.The independent Afghanistan Analysts Network stated that these elections were probably the worst in the country's history.

Afghanistan government arrests 4 on Election Panel, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the arrest of four officials of the Afghan Independent Election Commission. The government decided to execute the arrest, and the chief electoral officer approved it: the head of the commission's logistics department and three lower-level employees were charged with abuse of official office and corruption in purchasing related to the 2009 presidential election.

Court will probe Afghan balloting, The Wall Street Journal (2011)

This article reports on the Afghanistan's Supreme Court's decision to investigate more than 400 cases of alleged fraud in the September elections. This decision could cause a constitutional crisis in the country, as the parliament is supposed to be inaugurated in two weeks, but cannot do so without the Court's ruling.

Judges set to rule on Afghan election complaints within 2 weeks, The New York Times (2011)

This article discusses the creation of a five-judge panel made up by the Supreme Court in Afghanistan to investigate on the election fraud allegations. The panel is supposed to review hundreds of complaints of election malpractice in only two weeks: on January 20, President Karzai promised to inaugurate the parliament. Opposition candidates and human rights activists denounced the panel to be politically motivated (in favor of the President).

Afghan poll court seeks to delay parliament formation, Reuters (2011)

This article reports on the latest updates on the elections in Afghanistan. A special court is currently examining the electoral complains presented after the September parliamentary election. Sadiqullah Haqiq, head of the tribunal, stated that the body has examined more than 430 complaints, but more time will be needed, and asked President Karzai to postpone the inauguration of the parliament.

Afghan official expects court to void election, The New York Times (2011)

This article reports on the ongoing assessment of the September elections in Afghanistan by a special court. Mohammed Ishaq Aloko, the attorney general, commented on the possibility to delay the inauguration of the Afghan parliament, and invited the special court to release its findings by Tuesday.

Karzai postpones seating parliament, deepening Afghan crisis, The New York Times (2011)

This article discusses President Karzai's decision to order a month' delay in seating a new Parliament in Afghanistan. According to the author, this decision will heighten the constitutional crisis, leaving the country without an elected Parliament five months after the poll.

Afghanistan: Afghanistan election panel expels 9 lawmakers from parliament, Los Angeles Times (2011)

The article discusses the actions undertaken by Afghanistan's Independent Electoral Commission to combat electoral fraud and end the agitations over the last elections.

[···]