The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad has said election planning must go forward amid peace efforts.

“In recent days, a few commentators have raised questions about our priorities in #Afghanistan. A peace process that delivers a political settlement is THE priority. Afghans want #peace above all else,” Ambassador Khalilzad said in a Twitter post.
However, he emphasized “But wanting peace does not preclude Afghans from demanding preparations for a credible presidential election. Election planning must go forward as we pursue the peace Afghans deserve.”
The Presidential elections are scheduled for 28th of September this year, according to Independent Election Commission.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul had earlier urged the authorities to turn their attention to preparing for the September presidential elections while welcoming the finalization of Kabul parliamentary election results.
“We urge the IEC to turn its attention to preparing for the September presidential election, including putting forward a budget request aligned with an appropriate operational plan, hiring and training sufficient staff to complete voter registration and preparations, and coordinating with the security ministries,” the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement.
“Afghan people deserve the opportunity to choose their next leadership through transparent elections in September,” the statement said, adding that “We are prepared to continue supporting this process.”