September 9, 2009
No. 247
Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan William Crosbie today issued the following statement concerning the recent Afghan presidential election:
“The Independent Election Commission has announced that 91.6 percent of ballots have been counted in the Afghanistan election, and approximately 600 polling stations have been quarantined for further investigation.
“Canada recognizes the complexity of the electoral process, and supports the efforts of both the Independent Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission. This election was a historic undertaking, with the Afghan people mobilizing in the millions to organize, campaign and vote.
“As the tallying portion of the election process draws to a close, Canada urges the Independent Election Commission and Electoral Complaints Commission to thoroughly investigate allegations of irregularities and exclude all fraudulent votes.
“Canada calls upon candidates and their party agents and supporters to continue to cooperate with the Independent Election Commission, the Electoral Complaints Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that Afghanistan’s electoral process is completed successfully.
“Canada now awaits the official, ratified results of the election, which was conducted in accordance with Afghanistan’s electoral law and reflects the will of the Afghan people.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Timothea Gibb
Head of Public Diplomacy and Communications
Canadian Embassy to Afghanistan
+93 (0)799 742 874
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
