VOICED: Afghanistan faces great challenges organising election run-off

Afghan leader Hamid Karzai, under pressure from Western governments, agrees to a second round of presidential elections to enhance the credibility of Afghanistan's democracy. However, the process is marred by political mudslinging and allegations of fraud, leading to public cynicism. Many Afghans, fearful of Taliban reprisals, are hesitant to vote again. The elections pose significant challenges for organizers, with the primary hurdle being restoring public faith in the democratic process.

Who were the international figures involved in encouraging the second round of elections in Afghanistan?

• UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

• French President Nicolas Sarkozy and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton

• US President Barack Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

• US Senator John Kerry and UN representative Kai ID

What was the main reason for holding a runoff election between Karzai and Abdullah?

• To comply with international demands

• To reduce the influence of the Taliban

• To strengthen the credibility of Afghanistan's democracy

• To increase voter turnout

What were some of the challenges faced by Afghanistan's democracy during the elections?

• Natural disasters

• Lack of international support

• Economic instability

• Political mudslinging and allegations of fraud

Why are some Afghan citizens hesitant to vote in the second round of elections?

• They are satisfied with the current government

• They lack transportation to polling stations

• They fear attacks from insurgents

• They believe the elections are unnecessary

What is considered the biggest obstacle for the election organizers?

• Lack of funding

• Weather conditions

• Technical issues with voting machines

• Convincing voters to trust the democratic process