Voting In The Afghan Elections Abroad: An Option For The Afghan Diaspora In The Usa?

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in August 2021, but Americans living in Afghanistan can still vote electronically by completing a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). This can be done by going to FVAP.gov, printing and signing the form, and then returning it to your local election office in the United States. However, this does not answer the question of whether Americans can vote in Afghanistan's elections.

Since 2001, the international community has spent at least $1.2 billion supporting Afghanistan's electoral process, including seven separate elections. Despite this, Afghanistan continues to face serious challenges in preparing for and administering elections. Issues include an unverifiable number of eligible voters, widespread illiteracy, pervasive corruption, and election-related violence and fraud.

The most recent Afghan elections took place in September 2019, with incumbent Ashraf Ghani re-elected as president. Voter turnout was less than 20%, with only around 1.6 million people voting out of 9.7 million registered voters. The low turnout was due in part to direct threats to civilians by the Taliban, who carried out attacks to disrupt the campaign.

Voting processes for US citizens living in Afghanistan

US citizens living in Afghanistan can vote in US elections. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do so:

Step 1: Confirm Voter Eligibility

According to the US government, most US citizens aged 18 or older who reside outside the country are eligible to vote absentee for federal office candidates in US primary and general elections. Some states also allow overseas citizens to vote for state and local office candidates and referendums.

Step 2: Register to Vote and Request an Absentee Ballot

To vote from abroad, you must register with local election officials in your state of voting residence and request an absentee ballot. This can be done by completing a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form. The FPCA is a simultaneous registration and absentee ballot application and is accepted across all states. It should be submitted for each election year in which you want to vote from abroad. The FPCA can be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website.

Step 3: Submit the FPCA Form

Once you have completed the FPCA form, it must be submitted to your local election officials in the US. This can be done by mail, fax, or email, depending on your state's requirements. It is recommended that overseas US citizens submit a new FPCA at the beginning of each calendar year or at least 45 days before an election.

Step 4: Receive Your Blank Absentee Ballot

If your registration and absentee ballot request are approved, your state will send you a blank ballot either electronically or by mail. This will typically be sent 45 days before November general elections and 30 days before primary, special, and run-off elections.

Step 5: Complete and Return Your Ballot

Finally, complete your ballot carefully and legibly, and return it to your local election officials so that it arrives before your state's ballot return deadline. There are several options for returning your completed ballot, including local mail, courier services such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS, or through the nearest US embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that US citizens living in Afghanistan cannot vote in Afghanistan's elections. Only Afghan citizens are eligible to vote in the country's elections.

The history of democratic elections in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a history of unstable democratic elections, with frequent coups, civil wars, and violent transfers of power. The country has been governed by various systems, including a monarchy, republic, theocracy, dictatorship, and a pro-communist state.

The first elements of a democratic government in the country began to emerge under the leadership of Ghazi Amanullah Khan, who ruled as the Emir of Afghanistan and later as its first King. Amanullah instituted several political reforms modelled on Western democracy, including drafting the country's first constitution, the "Statute of the Supreme Government of Afghanistan." This constitution, which was approved and ratified by 872 tribal elders and government officials in 1922, contained notable liberal changes, such as granting equal rights and freedoms to all Afghan citizens.

However, due to his significant popularity and these cultural reforms, conservative Islamists staged a revolt, leading to Amanullah's overthrow in 1929. His successor, Nadir Khan, abandoned most of Amanullah's reforms. Nadir's son and successor, King Mohammad Zahir Shah, implemented a more gradual program of democratic reforms, culminating in the establishment of a bicameral national legislature in 1964.

In 1973, former Prime Minister Mohammad Sardar Daoud Khan seized power in a non-violent coup, abolishing the monarchy and establishing the first Republic of Afghanistan. Daoud consolidated power, declaring himself both president and prime minister, and abrogated the 1964 constitution. In 1978, Daoud and his family were assassinated during the Saur Revolution, and the communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) seized power. The new government, renamed the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, granted increased civil rights but became extremely repressive, with thousands killed or imprisoned as regions across the country revolted.

In 1987, the PDPA introduced a law permitting the formation of other political parties and issued a new constitution providing for a bicameral National Assembly and an indirectly elected president. However, the 1988 elections were boycotted by the Mujahideen. Following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1988-1989, the government faced increasing resistance, and in 1992, PDPA leader Najibullah resigned, leading to the rise of the Taliban and their eventual takeover of most of Afghanistan by 1996.

Democracy was reintroduced following the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, which overthrew the Taliban. An interim government was set up under the presidency of Hamid Karzai, and in 2004, Afghanistan held its first direct presidential election, with Karzai officially elected into government. However, subsequent elections have been marred by security issues, low voter turnout, and widespread electoral fraud.

The impact of the Taliban on Afghanistan's elections

Afghanistan has a long history of democratic elections, with the first taking place in 1949. However, the country's electoral institutions have been disrupted by changes in the political regime, and the most recent elections in 2019 were marred by violence, security concerns, and allegations of fraud and mismanagement. The Taliban, a militant Islamic fundamentalist group, has been a significant factor in the challenges facing Afghanistan's electoral process. Here is an analysis of the impact of the Taliban on Afghanistan's elections:

Security Threats and Violence

The Taliban has posed a significant security threat to Afghanistan's elections, carrying out attacks and intimidating voters and candidates. In the 2019 presidential election, the Taliban carried out suicide bomb attacks during the campaign rallies, killing and injuring dozens of people. They also issued direct threats to civilians, warning them against participating in the elections. This led to historically low voter turnout, with only around 1.6 million people casting their votes out of 9.7 million registered voters. The Taliban's intimidation tactics and attacks on polling stations have been a persistent issue in Afghanistan's elections, contributing to a climate of fear and insecurity.

Disruption of Electoral Process

The Taliban has actively sought to disrupt the electoral process in Afghanistan. They have assassinated local officials, attacked government forces, and intimidated voters to hinder the smooth conduct of elections. In some cases, they have even influenced election officials and exploited their connections with local power brokers to manipulate the results. The presence of the Taliban creates an environment of fear and uncertainty, making it challenging for election authorities to carry out their duties effectively.

Weakening of Democratic Institutions

The Taliban's resurgence has contributed to the weakening of democratic institutions in Afghanistan. The group has targeted and threatened election officials, journalists, activists, and government critics. They have also cracked down on press freedoms, leading to the closure of numerous news organizations. By undermining the independence and integrity of these institutions, the Taliban has made it difficult for Afghanistan to hold free and fair elections.

Limitations on Women's Participation

The Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women's participation in public life, including their right to vote and stand for elections. Despite efforts to encourage female voter registration, the Taliban's threats and attacks have deterred many women from engaging in the political process. The group's conservative ideology and interpretation of Sharia law have resulted in the exclusion of women from political and social spheres, rolling back the gains made by Afghan women in recent years.

Overall Impact on Elections

The Taliban's actions have had a detrimental effect on the overall conduct of elections in Afghanistan. The security threats, violence, and intimidation tactics have led to low voter turnout, disrupted polling, and raised questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process. The group's influence has also contributed to the perception of elections as ineffective in influencing public policy, undermining public confidence in the democratic process.

Security concerns and violence during elections

In the 2019 presidential election, the Taliban carried out suicide bomb attacks, killing and injuring dozens of people. The group also threatened civilians directly, with a tally by the New York Times finding a death toll of "at least 30 security personnel and 10 civilians", with a number of "at least 40 security forces and 150 civilians" injured.

The security concerns and violence during elections have also impacted women's participation in the political process. Women and girls in Afghanistan have faced intimidation, death threats, harassment, and attacks for speaking out about women's rights issues. In the lead-up to the 2009 elections, the government, the Independent Electoral Commission, the international military, the United Nations, and international donors were criticized for not doing enough to address these challenges.

The security situation in Afghanistan has also led to the suspension and curtailment of civic education programs and voter registration efforts, particularly impacting women. The presence of international troops and tens of thousands of Afghan security forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of voters and polling stations.

The overall security situation in Afghanistan during elections has been a major concern, with the head of the United Nations mission in the country expressing worries about weak links in security and expecting more violence. The presence of security forces and the use of biometric voter verification machines have been implemented to combat security concerns and fraudulent instances during elections.

Efforts to increase female voter registration and participation

Women in Afghanistan have faced many obstacles to participating in elections, including widespread intimidation, security threats, and attacks from warlords, the Taliban, and other insurgent forces. These groups have undermined women's participation in the political process through ongoing threats and attacks, stifling legitimate political activity and dominating the election process. Additionally, cultural and societal norms, as well as a lack of education and resources, have hindered women's ability to engage in the political process.

Despite these challenges, there have been notable improvements in encouraging female voter registration and participation. The Afghan government, international donors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have implemented various measures to address these obstacles and increase female participation. These efforts include:

• Civic education programs: Conducting public information campaigns to raise awareness about the election process and encourage women to register to vote.
• Hiring female election workers: Employing women as election staff helps create a more comfortable and accessible environment for female voters, particularly in conservative areas.
• Voter registration cards without photographs: Recognizing the cultural sensitivities and security concerns of women, the option of obtaining voter registration cards without photographs has been made available.
• Separate voting booths for men and women: Election officials planned separate polling booths for men and women at each polling station to address sensitivities about mingling with men.
• Regularly updated registration figures disaggregated by gender: Providing transparent and detailed registration data helps monitor and promote female voter registration.
• Reserved seats for women in government: The Afghan Constitution of 2004 guarantees women's representation in the National Assembly, with a minimum of 68 out of 249 seats reserved for women in the Wolesi Jirga (House of the People).
• International support: The international community has recognized the importance of supporting Afghan women's political participation and has called for concrete actions to realize their rights, including the right to education, employment, and decision-making processes.

While these efforts have yielded some positive results, there is still much to be done to overcome the deep-rooted barriers to female political participation in Afghanistan. Security remains a significant concern, and further steps are needed to ensure the protection of women engaging in the political process. Additionally, addressing cultural norms, promoting education and empowerment, and ensuring equal opportunities for women to participate in politics are crucial for long-term progress.

Frequently asked questions