Conclusion of Afghan Elections

Conclusion of Afghan Elections

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 14, 2014

Millions of Afghan men and women once again went to the polls today to choose their next president, laying the groundwork for the first democratic transition in Afghanistan's history. These brave Afghans from all walks of life again defied the threat of violence and went to the ballot box and voted because they want to set the course for a more inclusive, prosperous, and stable future. I’ve been to Afghanistan twice since becoming Secretary of State and many times before that. Every time I do, I’m impressed by how much Afghans have sacrificed for their future.

Now, in the coming weeks, the work of the Afghan electoral bodies will be particularly important. It is essential that the process of tallying votes, adjudicating complaints, and finalizing the results be transparent and accountable and that the candidates and other stakeholders work with the electoral commissions and respect their conclusions.

The United States will stand with the Afghan people now and in the future, and looks forward to signing the bilateral security agreement in the period ahead.

ENDS

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