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Statement by the Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson on the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan

22.10.2018 - Press release

A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (22 October) on the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan:

The people of Afghanistan elected a new parliament last weekend. For the first time, Afghan institutions were solely responsible for organising and holding these elections. Despite all the difficulties, that is an achievement and an important step for the country’s further development.


We condemn the attempts to disrupt the elections in Afghanistan through the use of violence in the strongest possible terms. Our sympathy goes out to the relatives of the victims. Despite all threats and intimidation, people in most parts of the country were able to cast their votes and also made use of this opportunity. The endeavours of young politicians to promote democracy in their country and the lively participation of women in the electoral process are particularly gratifying. The people of Afghanistan have thus shown that they desire stability, peace and self-determination.


Complaints about problems must now be investigated by the competent institutions and in the processes laid down for such complaints. Transparency and fairness are the basis for the legitimacy of any electoral process, including as regards organising the presidential elections in April 2019. Germany will continue to support Afghanistan on this path in the future.

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