'The Winning Warlords', Afghanistan Rights Monitor (ARM), 1 July 2009
EXCERPT: "On 20 August 2009 millions of Afghans are expected to cast votes in an ostensibly democratic exercise which is expected not only to elect the future president of the country but to demonstrate that only the people of Afghanistan determine their collective destiny. However, undemocratic forces that have constantly gained power and wealth over the past several years seem to be hijacking the election process to ensure their future interests and legitimize their grip on political and public institutions. These forces which include former and current warlords, militia commanders and human rights abusers have money, power and influence across the country which make them incomparably stronger than the ordinary voters. Under the name of religion, ethnicity, and language and/or by the power of their illicit wealth, armed cronies and terror these undemocratic forces have increasingly acted as 'president-makers'. In return for their support in the elections some presidential candidates have increasingly and rather alarmingly surrendered to their conditions which include but are not limited to future power sharing."
To continue reading the report, click here [pdf].
See also:
'Warlords comeback kings of Afghan polls', Daily Times, 2 July 2009
'Former Taliban eyes Afghan presidency', AFP, 1 July 2009
'More observers needed to safeguard integrity of poll', EurasiaNet, 1 July 2009
Related posts:
'Karzai defends choice of vice-president', 17 June 2009
'Afghan presidential candidates prepare to campaign', 15 June 2009
'Karzai maneuvers secure grip ahead of election campaign', 21 May 2009
'Karzai in move to share power with warlord wanted by US', 11 May 2009
