Get to grips with foreign meddling, new prez told

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Residents of northeastern Badakhshan province want the incoming president to focus on stopping foreign interference in Afghanistan and ensuring sustained international military assistance to ensure stability.

After the first round of the presidential election on April 5, followed by the runoff polls on July 14, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) recently completed a nationwide UN-supervised audit of votes.

But results could not be made public even after the completion of the 50 days audit due to lingering rifts between the presidential candidates — Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.

Discussion between the two contenders on forming a government of national unity reached a deadlock due to disagreements on the powers of the chief executive. President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday asked the candidates to reach deal without further delay.

The residents of Badakhshan underlined an early political solution to the problem and wanted the new president to be inaugurated as soon as possible to end uncertainty and save Afghanistan’s economy.

Nazar Mohammad, 39, a resident of Zibak district, said: “I want the next president to restore peace and security, eliminate corruption and usher in a new era of progress and development.”

The new leader, he suggested, should appoint professional officials on merit, deal strictly with those violating the law of the land, punish traitors and dispense prompt justice to address the deep-seated sense of deprivation among the masses. 

Mohammad Baqi, 25, a schoolteacher, urged the leader to promote education and improve the economic condition of his community. He also called for an end to tribal and ethnic prejudices and strong unity.

The next leader should stop neighbors’ interference and attract international community’s military assistance to stabilize the Afghan National Army (ANA), he said, adding that a robust foreign policy should be worked out to deal with neighbors by keeping national interests supreme.

Mohammad Zakir, 39, a resident of Faizabad, the provincial capital, said the next president should ensure freedom of expression and maintain security. “I don’t want to be threatened by local warlords anymore. I want to have our individual and social freedom.”

Din Mohammad, 52, a trader, hoped the next leader would improve the economic situation of people, create job opportunities and put an end to mafia economy to let people have a prosperous live.

In an attempt to improve trade, the next president should support private sector with provision of electricity and other development projects, he added.

But Abdul Rashid, 65, hailing from the provincial capital, said he wanted nothing from the next president because those who secured powers did not care about ordinary people.

Najia, 23, head of the Badakhshan women’s association, said the new government should be based on Islamic laws and women’s rights be protected. Women should be given equal rights with more job opportunities, she added.

Amir Mohammad, 54, a person with disability and employee with the Red Crescent Society, said: “I am unable to work. I want the new president to bring about peace and create job opportunities for all.”

Abdul Wasi Latifi, a poet and writer from the provincial capital, demanded the next president to improve national unity. The country’s security and stability are of paramount importance, he said, adding that the next leader should be strictly implement law of the land.

Mohammad Nasir, 33, a graduated from Kabul University of literature faculty, said he was busy with the livestock and husbandry and expected the next president to improve the sector.

Mohammad Nabi, 50, a labourer, said he could not find sustained work to support his eight-member family. He asked the new president to help create job opportunities. 

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