Press release
02 July 2009
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Swedish election observers to Afghanistan
The Government decided today to contribute Swedish observers to the EU Election Observation Mission in Afghanistan. The elections will start on 20 August 2009. The Swedish contribution will initially consist of one long-term observer and two observers linked to the Embassy in Kabul. Sweden is prepared to send additional long- and short-term observers if the EU so requests.
"It is important that the presidential and provincial elections in Afghanistan are implemented in a free, fair and secure manner, despite the enormous challenges posed by the lack of security and the weak institutions in the country. It is absolutely essential for the stabilisation and development of Afghanistan that the government enjoys popular legitimacy," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Democracy and human rights are important components of Sweden's extensive development assistance to Afghanistan. Up to now, Sweden has contributed some SEK 40 million to the electoral process in Afghanistan.
The presidential and provincial elections in Afghanistan are the second since democracy was introduced after the fall of the Taliban regime. The elections will start with a first round on 20 August 2009, and if necessary, will be followed by a second round of elections sometime in early October. The decision to send election observers has been taken after a request for election monitoring by the Afghan government to the EU and other organisations. The EU Election Observation Mission is expected to consist of a total of 45-60 people.
Sida is responsible for the recruitment and training of Swedish election observers.
Contact
Peter Larsson+46 8 405 10 00
