India Commends High Voter Turnout In Presidential Election In Afghanistan

New Delhi, April 6, IRNA -- India Saturday commended the huge turnout of voters in presidential elections in Afghanistan despite terror threats and said it would continue to work to support the people of that country in their efforts to build a sovereign and democratic nation. ˈWe salute the people of Afghanistan who turned out in such great numbers to exercise their franchise today despite the threat of violence and intimidation from terrorists and those who do not wish to see a strong, democratic and sovereign Afghanistanˈ, External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in reply to a question. He said the ˈdemocratic expression of the will of the people of Afghanistan is a resounding rejection of the designs and ideology of terrorists and their supporters who continued to pursue their nefarious goals till the last day of campaigningˈ. ˈToday, the Afghan people, including its women and youth, have spoken in loud and clear terms. This is an important message that everyone should listen to. The spokesman praised Afghan security forces ˈwho have worked tirelessly and made great sacrifices to make this day possibleˈ. India, he said, will continue to work to support the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a strong, independent, sovereign and democratic Afghanistan. According to pti, Afghans celebrated a largely peaceful election today, as turnout exceeded predictions despite Taliban threats to disrupt the vote to choose President Hamid Karzaiˈs successor. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent in the first round, a run-off is scheduled for late May. There were no major militant attacks during polling, and organisers described the election as a huge success./end