Democracy International deployed a team of international election experts and long-term observers to observe the first round of critically important presidential elections in Afghanistan on April 5. DI sent observers to multiple provinces, including Balkh, Herat, Nangarhar, and Panjshir. DI has observed every election in Afghanistan since 2009 and has worked consistently with civil society leaders, legislators, and the international community to help improve the performance and legitimacy of Afghan elections and to increase the accountability of political processes more generally.

DI’s observers assessed the legal, political, and security environment during the campaign period ahead of the elections and on election day. They also evaluated candidates’ campaigns, voter participation, the vote count, the quality of election administration, and the ongoing complaints and adjudication process. DI’s experts continue to closely follow the tabulation and verification process throughout the post-election period.

DI’s mission was accredited by Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission and abided by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct for International Observers, as well as other applicable laws, regulations, and international commitments. Building on election observation work in the country in 2009 and 2010, DI has been implementing the Afghanistan Electoral Reform and Civic Advocacy project since 2011, which facilitates an Afghan-led electoral reform process to strengthen Afghan democracy and foster innovations in governance.