The conflict continues its unrelenting toll on the civilian population, whose daily struggle amid insecurity is compounded by the inhumanity of terror attacks. As parliamentary and presidential elections near, there is an urgent need for political leaders to demonstrate a unity of purpose and guide Afghanistan towards greater stability and self-reliance

Afghan Government and the Taliban have implemented overlapping ceasefires over the Eid al-Fitr holiday, resulting in a three-day drop in violence and public meetings between government and Taliban militants. However, the Taliban rejected calls for an extension of the ceasefire, and both sides resumed offensive operations. The Government declared a second ceasefire for the Eid al-Adha holiday, on the condition that the Taliban reciprocate, but it did not. Security remained volatile, with attacks in Ghazni Province and across northern areas, and civilian casualties continued at very high levels.
On the political front, opposition groups have formed coalitions ahead of parliamentary elections, scheduled for 20 October. A diverse group of political parties, however, continue to demand electoral reforms, with some threatening an electoral boycott if their demands are not met. Poll preparations are in full swing. The district council elections, initially scheduled for the same date are likely to be postponed because of low number of nominations.
The Ghani Government is gearing up for the Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, to be held on 28 November. It has finalized its subnational governance policy and completed a mass, merit-based recruitment exercise for the civil service. The Geneva Conference takes place at a critical juncture, halfway between the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan in 2016 and the next pledging conference, expected to be held in 2020. It provides a valuable opportunity for the international community to renew its political commitment to Afghanistan.
This year, Afghanistan is on track to collect enough revenue to cover 50 percent of its operating budget. While this trend points to the potential for further development financing and the possibility of generating growth, acute emergency needs are rising, particularly given the levels of internal displacement and the fact that the country is facing its worst drought in 10 years. The complexity of the humanitarian and development issues simultaneously confronting Afghanistan offers a good food for thought at the Geneva Ministerial Conference especially timely.
Afghanistan is nearly in the fifth year its Transformation Decade (2015–2024), which began with the drawdown of international forces in 2014. As it approaches the midpoint, the political, and economic and security challenges the country faces remain significant and complex. In addition to low rates of economic growth, high unemployment and rising levels of conflict-related displacement, more immediate problems, such as the ongoing drought, have pushed vulnerable communities to the brink.
The conflict continues its unrelenting toll on the civilian population, whose daily struggle amid insecurity is compounded by the inhumanity of terror attacks. As parliamentary and presidential elections near, there is an urgent need for political leaders to demonstrate a unity of purpose and guide Afghanistan towards greater stability and self-reliance.
The Eid al-Fitr ceasefire period was a vivid expression of the widespread desire for peace among Afghans. The first ceasefire since 2001, it brought scenes of celebration among Afghan civilians, Afghan national security forces and Taliban alike, proving that Afghans from diverse religious, tribal and civil society groups strongly desire peace. The brevity of the ceasefire period does not undermine its significance, nor do the subsequent attacks that have tested efforts to reach a peaceful settlement.
The worsening effect of the conflict on the civilian population is a matter of concern. In the first half of 2018, the conflict caused the death of 1,692 civilians, the highest number of civilian deaths recorded in a six-month period since UNAMA began its systematic documentation in 2009. The targeting of civilian infrastructure — from schools and hospitals to media offices and aid providers — underscores the violence directed at the fabric of Afghan society. Insecurity, violence, poverty and unemployment have a heavy impact on the Afghan youth.
Recent days have seen a spate of horrific attacks against education facilities, in particular a girls’ schools in Nangarhar Province and an education center in Kabul. Such violence, along with the reported closure of schools by anti-Government elements, represents an assault on the fundamental and constitutional right of all Afghans to education. The criminalization of child-related offences in the new Penal Code is a much-needed step towards protecting the most vulnerable members of society, including from recruitment and use by armed groups, and must be enforced. The Government of Afghanistan has shown readiness to engage on those sensitive topics and all youth related matters, recognizing the needs of that most sizable age group of the Afghan population.
Lately, the Ghani Government is making efforts to improve the capacity of the formal justice system to prosecute and adjudicate cases of violence against women. This is commendable indeed. But problem cannot be addressed in one go. The war ravaged country faces severe constraints in ensuring redress for sexual and gender-based violence, as well as high levels of de facto impunity affecting all citizens. Put simply the need of the hour is continued efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights.
As stated at the outset, preparations for Oct 20 ballot are going ahead under challenging circumstances. For the first time the voters list has been prepared that links each voter to a polling station. It is a truly significant step forward in strengthening the integrity of the elections. At the same time, a matter of concern are reports about the blockade of the premises of the Independent Election Commission, both at its headquarters and in some provinces, by protestors contesting the exclusion of certain candidates by the Electoral Complaints Commission. Such actions delay the legitimate activities of the Independent Election Commission and do not advance any democratic cause.
While timely and credible technical preparations are essential, they cannot, by themselves, solve political concerns. The primary responsibility for a successful election lies with the political leaders from across the political spectrum. That includes the responsibility to engage constructively and peacefully in the process, to prevent and discourage fraud and to refrain from declaring instances of irregularity — or simply unfavourable outcomes — as proof of a fraudulent election. Calls for poll boycott are heard from some quarters, the Taliban including. When political actors decide to withdraw from an electoral process, it results in fewer options for citizens to participate and have their voice heard, in favour of more narrow expressions of protest or abstention.
It is for this reason the UN Secretary General has urged all political leaders to remain engaged in the electoral process and to pursue concerns and any founded complaints with the national electoral authorities. Will his call be heeded? We will know soon.

    -by m rama rao