AAN's Second Report: How to Win an Afghan Election
The report describes how Afghans view the elections with mixed feelings. On one hand they believe that the outcome of the vote will be determined by others: the internationals, their leaders or electoral manipulation. On the other hand there is a vibrant process of consultations, negotiations and communal decisions making. The report cautions against simplistic appraisals of probable voting patterns, describing how voters are pulled in different directions, under the influence of instruction, loyalty, patronage and proximity, pressure, positioning, and considerations of substance.
The report argues that the international community should shift its approach from the current emphasis on partnering with whoever seems powerful, regardless of past or present behaviour, to engage with a wider range of political players.
The report discusses the likelihood of electoral malpractice and fraud, and concludes that the methods that have been used in earlier elections all look likely to be repeated. The report calls on the international community to acknowledge electoral realities and in doing so start re-setting the standards for future elections.
About the author
Martine van Bijlert has worked in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan since the early 90s, most recently as a diplomat for the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) Office in Kabul and as an independent political analyst. She is now one of the Co-directors of AAN.
About AAN
AAN is a recently established non-profit, independent policy research organisation. It aims to bring together the knowledge and experience of a large number of experts to inform policy and increase the understanding of Afghan realities. AAN will publish regular in-depth thematic reports, policy briefings and comments. The main channel for dissemination of the reports is the AAN web site.
To download the report please visit
Report PDF »
For further information or earlier reports visit
www.aan-afghanistan.org or email:
info@afghanistan-analysts.net.
Eingestellt von RoBin 11.08.2009 (12:22)
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