Fahim: No alternative to elections

KABUL): First Vice-President Mohammad Qasim Fahim on Monday warned against going for a second option instead of holding next year’s presidential elections, saying the move could prove to be a “poisonous legacy” for the nation.

Speaking at a gathering observing the 12th death anniversary of Ahmad Shah Massoud, Fahim stressed the April 5 vote should take place as scheduled. No one should be allowed to disrupt the process, he added.

“We are in the government; it’s our responsibility to make last minute efforts until the government of President Karzai comes to an end to ensure that the elections took place on the schedule time.”

On the reconciliation front, the Karzai aide said a national committee should be constituted to help the High Peace Council (HPC) explore ways to bring peace and stability to the country

“I think there should be three conditions for a candidate to contest the presidential elections. He should be a Muslim, a jihadi and Afghan,” he said.

Fahim said Afghan forces were fighting against the enemy with a spirit even not seen during the former Soviet Union’s invasion.

“If Pakistan after foreign troops’ withdrawal, they will be defeated. Afghanistan is not a property of Pakistan, it’s our country with or without foreign troops,” he said.

He supported peace talks with the Taliban, saying peace remained the country’s most urgent need. “Peace can come if we tolerate each other, otherwise no chance,” Fahim concluded.

myn/ma

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