EU hails Afghan elections
The Associated Press, Brussels | Sat, 08/22/2009 2:04 PM
The European Union says that Afghanistan's elections represent a "victory for democracy," and that the vote count must be carried out in a transparent manner.
The EU's external affairs commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner says this is necessary to ensure that elected candidates enjoy public support during their terms in office.
The EU has deployed teams of election monitors led by Philippe Morillon, a lawmaker and former French general who commanded U.N. forces in Bosnia during the war there.
The Afghan elections were marred by violence, low turnout and allegations of fraud and vote rigging. Both main candidates for president are claiming victory.
