Condoleezza Rice - Elections in Afghanistan

Elections in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary Condoleezza Rice
New York City
September 19, 2005

I want to congratulate the Afghan government and people for the successful Parliamentary and provincial elections. The elections are further evidence of Afghanistan's continuing democratic development. The extremist elements that once again attempted to disrupt the electoral process have failed, and the Afghan people, as they courageously made their ways to the polls, demonstrated their determination to proceed down a democratic path.

Over the past four years, Afghans have worked hard to transform their country into a new democracy. Last October, in the face of threats and attacks by extremist militants, they voted in the country's first-ever presidential election. Today, less than a year later, the Afghans again demonstrated their commitment to build a free country with national democratic institutions and an improving quality of life. We anticipate the final results will fairly express their wishes.

The results of these elections will lead to the seating of Afghanistan's National Assembly, the final step in the process begun four years ago with the assistance of the international community to create the democratic intuitions of a sovereign Afghanistan. The United States is firmly committed to help Afghans build a free, secure and prosperous future and applauds the Afghan people as they advance further on their democratic journey. 2005/T13-26

Released on September 19, 2005

© Scoop Media