2019 Afghan presidential election

2019 Afghan presidential election was held on 28 September 2019 to select the head of state for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The election was a direct contest between incumbent Ashraf Ghani and his chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, a continuation of the political rivalry that defined the 2014 Afghan presidential election. Conducted under immense security threats from the Taliban and with historically low voter turnout, the protracted electoral process and disputed results deepened the nation's political crisis.

Background

The election was mandated by the Constitution of Afghanistan, which stipulates a five-year presidential term. It followed the contentious 2014 Afghan presidential election, whose results led to a U.S.-brokered power-sharing agreement creating the National Unity Government with Ghani as president and Abdullah as chief executive. The political landscape was dominated by ongoing conflict with the Taliban, which controlled significant territory, and peace negotiations involving the United States and Qatar. Key institutions like the Independent Election Commission (Afghanistan) and the Electoral Complaints Commission were under intense scrutiny to avoid the fraud allegations that marred the previous poll.

Candidates and campaign

Eighteen candidates were initially registered, though several later withdrew. The main contenders were incumbent President Ashraf Ghani, running with former National Directorate of Security chief Amrullah Saleh, and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, leading the Coalition for Salvation of Afghanistan with running mate Enayatullah Babur Farahmand. Other notable figures included former National Security Advisor (Afghanistan) Hanif Atmar, who withdrew before polling, and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar of the Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin. The campaign focused on issues of security, corruption, and potential peace talks with the Taliban, with Ghani emphasizing state-building and Abdullah criticizing the government's failures.

Conduct and security

The Taliban issued threats to disrupt the election, attacking polling centers and threatening voters, contributing to a turnout of only 1.8 million from nearly 9.6 million registered voters. Security was provided by the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police, with support from NATO's Resolute Support Mission. Significant technical and logistical challenges included the use of controversial biometric verification devices, which experienced failures. Allegations of fraud, ghost polling stations, and irregularities emerged immediately, leading to a lengthy audit process by the Electoral Complaints Commission.

Results

Preliminary results were delayed for months due to allegations of fraud and required auditing. The Independent Election Commission (Afghanistan) finally announced on 18 February 2020 that Ashraf Ghani had won with 50.64% of the vote, just over the threshold to avoid a runoff, while Abdullah Abdullah received 39.52%. Abdullah and his supporters immediately rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud and declaring themselves the winners. The results showed a stark ethnic and geographic divide, with Ghani performing strongly among Pashtuns in the south and east, and Abdullah drawing support from Tajiks and other northern communities.

Aftermath and impact

The disputed outcome led to a parallel inauguration ceremony in March 2020, with both Ghani and Abdullah holding separate swearing-in events, precipitating a severe political crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo failed to mediate a compromise during a visit to Kabul, leading the United States to announce a cut in $1 billion in aid. The crisis undermined the Afghan government's unity and legitimacy during critical peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha. The stalemate was eventually resolved in May 2020 through a power-sharing deal brokered by the United States, making Abdullah head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, but the electoral dispute weakened the republic's stability ahead of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Category:2019 elections in Afghanistan Category:Presidential elections in Afghanistan Category:September 2019 events in Asia