Elections and peace are top priorities for UN

“Regarding efforts related to the upcoming presidential elections and the work to create an initial peace framework in Afghanistan, I wish to reiterate that both processes are top priorities for the United Nations,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the U.N. secretary-general’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.

“Neither process should be harmed or held back by the other; both processes must move forward with the full force and commitment of all stakeholders,” Yamamoto said.

“While there are clear links between these critical processes, as they both will substantially affect Afghanistan’s future, the United Nations will continue to do all it can in both areas,” the envoy added.

The United States and the Taliban have held seven rounds of peace talks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said recently hoped that a peace deal is reached before September 1. Afghanistan’s presidential election is scheduled for 28^th of the month.

Yamamoto further warned that Afghanistan cannot afford a contentious and protracted post-election crisis that could result in a president with brittle democratic and domestic legitimacy, as this would harm the new president’s ability to bring the Afghan people together in a meaningful and representative peace process.

He said that all participants in election process have an important role and collective responsibility to ensure that the process is credible and transparent.

The envoy reiterated the UN’s support to election and peace efforts

“Attaining peace will require the efforts of many, but with the international community’s support for Afghanistan’s full ownership of the process, I am cautiously optimistic that we are moving in the right direction,” Yamamoto said.