TEXT OF FEBRUARY 28 PRESIDENTIAL DECREE ON

UNCLAS KABUL 000455 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM PGOV PREL AF SUBJECT: TEXT OF FEBRUARY 28 PRESIDENTIAL DECREE ON ELECTIONS ¶1. (U) Below is the text of the decree President Karzai issued February 28 on elections. The Independent Election Commission on March 1 provided the text and translation. ¶2. (U) Begin text: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Presidential Decree on Upcoming Presidential, Wolesi Jirga, Provincial Councils, District and Municipalities Elections -- Pursuant to the provisions of the articles no. 63 and 64 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRA) on protecting the Constitutions and ensuring its implementation as the supreme law of the country; -- To preserve stability and legitimacy of the state; to institutionalize democracy based on the will of the Afghan people; to strengthen national institutions; -- To strengthen national unity and safeguard the crucial achievements that Afghanistan has made during the last seven years both at the national and international level; -- Based on the decision no. 3, 02/02/2009, of Wolesi Jirga on the holding of the presidential election; -- Based on the broad consultations with political and jihadi figures, scholars, lawyers and government officials; and considering the arguments brought forward by the Independent Election Commission and the challenges that Commission is faced with, I approve the following: Article 1 The Independent Election Commission shall conduct the presidential, Wolesi Jirga, provincial councils, district councils and municipalities, elections according to Articles 33, 61, 83, 138, 140 and 141 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and shall make essential arrangements to ensure the conduct of a transparent, fair, free, general, secret and direct ballot election. Article 2 All three powers of the state of Afghan security forces including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Directorate of National Security and other government institutions are obliged to provide the required assistance to eliminate the challenges and difficulties that the Independent Election Commission is faced with. Article 3 All the people of Afghanistan, including men and women, scholars, spiritual leaders, intellectuals, teachers, tribal elders, political parties, civil society organizations, media and other individuals and organizations have national and religious responsibility to endeavor for conducting safe, fair, free and general election, and prefer national interest, national unity and national sovereignty over personal, partisan, ethnic and tribal interests; cooperating with the Independent Election Commission and government organizations, actively participate in the elections; cautiously prevent visible and invisible interference and intervention by the enemies; and secure a bright future for our beloved country Afghanistan. Article 4 Since the elections determine the future of the country, and electing and being elected is the right of every Afghan based on Sharia law and the Constitution of Afghanistan, I urge all opponents of the government to participate in the forthcoming elections through casting their votes or nominating themselves, especially in the insecure areas of the country, extending their support to the organizers of the election in this broad national effort. Hamid Karzai President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan DELL