Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Afghanistan

As Afghanistan prepares for parliamentary elections on 20 October, the Secretary-General encourages all eligible Afghan voters to exercise their right to vote and thus to contribute to the development of sustainable democratic institutions and creating conditions conducive for a more stable and peaceful Afghanistan. The Secretary-General calls on all political leaders to work together to ensure full respect for the electoral process, in which every voter, in particular women and minority groups, will be able to cast their ballot. Against the backdrop of existing security challenges, the Secretary-General encourages relevant authorities and all political stakeholders to take the necessary measures to do their utmost to prevent any forms of electoral violence.