Non-partisan candidates needed

In a presidential race packed with former jihadist leaders and veteran politicians new participants have a tough time making a mark.
Political analyst Nasim Jafari thinks the forthcoming poll would be a strong “tribal battle-field”.

In a presidential race packed with former jihadist leaders and veteran politicians new participants have a tough time making a mark.
Political analyst Nasim Jafari thinks the forthcoming poll would be a strong “tribal battle-field”. “The non-Pashtun contenders are trying to form a political coalition against Pashtun leaders. This is their stated goal,” he says.
In previous elections voters used their votes along tribal lines, not considering the merit of the candidates. Individual decisions are influenced by the collective decision.
Arif Fakoor, a graduate of law faculty in Kabul University, believes, “The people must be made aware. (Voting) in the past on tribal and linguistic lines have hindered our attempt to be a united nation. There is discord at all levels in the country.”
Ahmad Saeedi, a writer and political analyst, successful political groups have established their position among people, and collude with the powers that be in the country.
In his opinion the likely candidates and political parties in the forthcoming elections are:
– Dr Abdullah Abdullah and Ahmad Zia Massoud. The latter, the younger brother of Ahmad Shah Massoud, is a leader of the National Front of Afghanistan. Its other leaders are Mohammad Mohaqiq and General Rashid Dostum.
– National Coalition of Afghanistan led by DrAbdullah Abdullah.
– The 22-member Cooperation Council of Political Parties and Coalitions.
– An informal coalition led by the presidential palace which will include Hezb Islami and moderate voices that were previously in the Taleban but have now come overground to participate in elections and claim a share in politics.
– Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyafand Salahudin Rabbani, head of Peace High Council, are also trying to put up candidates. While the first would like a candidate by consensus, the second wants to strengthen his party.
– DrZalmay Khalilzad, former Afghan ambassador to the US, Dr Ali Ahmad Jalali, Dr Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Dr Anwar-ul Haq Ahadi are all willing candidates. Technocrats with international links,they are likely to be supported by the west, particularly the US. In fact, Khalilzad may be Washington’s favourite and precisely why there are efforts to foil his attempt to run.
– Member of Parliament Fawzia Koofi may be making a courageous bid to run but in patriarchal Afghanistan she stands little chance.
There is concern that the choice before the voter may not be very much different from the last presidential election.
Farida Bayat, a civil society activist, says, “There are many ambiguities in the current position. It is not clear at all which elements have linkages with which internal and external group. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) regularly complains of domestic and external interference. People are confused about what they should do.” According to Bayat, there are many individualswilling to be candidates who have worked in high government posts in the last 10 years but have nothing to show for it. “Depending on them is to lose hope,” she said.
Despite all the cynicism, there is a strong belief that the forthcoming polls must be just and transparent. Rigging must not be permitted.
Nasim Jafari thinks people believe if the 2014 election is not transparent “Afghanistan would be dragged towards a continual security crisis and even civil war. Political stability and social security are linked strongly to the manner in which elections will be held.”
Voters are aware the selection of a national leader should not be marred by cheating and dishonest deals.
Mohammad Qarabaghi, a writer and journalist, wants people to be politically savvy, and understand the vested interests of politicians and “invisible hands”.