by Peter Wonacott and Anand Gopal
KABUL — Afghanistan is expected to put its rough-edged new democracy on display in a televised debate between candidates vying to lead one of the world’s poorest, most turbulent countries.
But only three of the 41 presidential candidates were asked to appear for the event Thursday evening, and only one looked certain to show up, reflecting the disarray of a nascent system that still lacks political parties and general ground rules for debates.
On Wednesday evening, a spokesman for the heavily favored incumbent, President Hamid Karzai, said the president wouldn’t participate because he didn’t have enough notice and more candidates weren’t invited.
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Moving the presidential vote up to spring from August could undercut opponents, who still have to plan their campaigns
Kabul, Afghanistan - President Hamid Karzai’s declaration Saturday that Afghan presidential elections should be moved up to April or May has aggravated already tense political divisions in this increasingly unstable country.
The unpopular leader’s decree is at odds with the Independent Election Commission (IEC), which has set Aug. 20 as the date for the polls. The United States reiterated its support Saturday for the later date – a preference shared by other candidates, who say they need more time to plan a campaign.
Karzai’s presidential mandate legally ends in May, which could leave Afghanistan without a head of state for three months if polls were held in August. The president’s supporters say an earlier vote is necessary to avoid such a scenario. Critics say, however, that more than two months are needed to prepare for the elections.
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Insecurity and charges of fraud could hamper election officials’ ability to ensure popular acceptance of next year’s presidential poll results
Kabul, Afghanistan - Evidence of fraud and poor security conditions are raising concerns that next fall’s presidential elections could be compromised.
With Afghans scheduled to go to the polls in less than a year, the country’s Independent Elections Commission (IEC) is in the midst of a massive voter registration drive that will continue until early February. Election officials are watching registration numbers closely because low registration could delay or derail the presidential polls.
The IEC is reporting high turnouts across the country since the drive began in October, despite insurgent threats to kill anyone who registers. Many parts of the south and east are under insurgent control.
But evidence is emerging that the registration numbers are inflated by illegal practices, such as registration of lists of “phantom voters” and those under legal voting age. Lawmakers and an elections watchdog allege that such violations are widespread and could undermine the vote’s fairness.
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