Kaine Statement On Afghanistan’s Electoral Process

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern, South and Central Asian Affairs, released the following statement today on Afghanistan’s electoral process:

“I am concerned about the allegations of fraud in the most recent round of Afghanistan’s presidential election.  Today’s announcement of preliminary results are just that – preliminary.  A thorough and transparent audit is essential to investigating the allegations of fraud and restoring the legitimacy of the election. While I welcome mediation efforts by the United Nations and international community, this is an Afghan moment.  I urge all parties and candidates to respect the electoral process and Afghan constitution.   An extended political crisis may impact the timeline for the signing of a Bilateral Security Agreement, which is not in anyone’s interest, least of all the people of Afghanistan.  I urge both Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Ghani to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and work with the proper bodies to complete an audit in a thorough and expeditious fashion.”

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