This week’s feature interview is with Noorulhaq Ulumi, Member of Parliament, member of the Leadership Committee of National Front (political opposition to the government) and leader of National United Party.

Considering the short time left to the Elections, what do you think about security of the election? Will voters be protected?

I would like to say that security is an important principle that is necessary in all aspects of peoples' lives but the issue of security of the Elections depends on the general situation in Afghanistan. We must not think only about security on the day of Elections but efforts should be made for implementing transparent Elections and putting security measures in place after the Elections. Postponing the timing of Election in contradiction to the constitution was implemented for security reasons, but we witness lack of security all over the country.

While national and international security forces talk about 100 percent security for the voters, in most parts of the country people consider the act of voting as equal to losing their lives, especially women cannot take part in Elections due to the lack of security. On the other hand, in our opinion, voters' security is not only for the moment of voting. When a citizen’s finger is inked in order to vote, he/she must be protected after voting. The responsible national and international authorities still have not given the people this security guarantee.

Specifically, what percentage of voting sites can be protected by national and international security forces?

In my opinion, security of most of the people in the cities can be maintained, but in the rural areas, security of more than 70% of the people may not be sufficient so as to allow people to take part in the Elections. Especially in southern and eastern regions, 90% of women may not take part in the Election.

Taleban have threatened to interrupt the election and close transportation and logistic routes. In your opinion, are they able to do this?

Taleban were never that powerful to carry out these kinds of threats, but the government and international forces have acted so weakly that they (Taleban) seem powerful. Even the head of Election Commission claims that Taleban did not hamper registration process and in fact, they cooperated in the registration process, however, we should consider that voter cards offer benefits to the Taleban. We have reports that some people, who have several voter cards, sell their cards for campaigners. But Taleban will hamper the Election, and the people take their threats seriously, and fear that they may be at risk if they take part in Elections.

Will negotiations with Taleban work?

Negotiations with Taleban could be an effective way for stability. In our opinion, using military force is not the solution. I think the most important discontentment of the people from the government has been actions of the government and government officials in the provinces. Non-execution of the law and corruption are two main factors of people's discontent.

In your opinion current disturbances are rooted in actions of government officials?

Definitely. I believe that current security problems are due to lack of trust of the people to the government. Unless we have a strong government we will not be able to negotiate with our opponents. They do not trust the word of this weak government.

Considering this, what should be done with the Taleban?

This Political System and Constitution have been created by the people of Afghanistan, and no one and no groups can deny it. Negotiations with Taleban should be done based on the Constitution. We want changes in the Constitution, but our changes differ from what Taleban demand. Regarding government scheme for negotiations with Taleban, I must say that the government always used this as a political game.

The National Front, of which you are a member, supports negotiation with Taleban. What is your strategy for negotiations? Which demands would you accept?

We have always emphasized negotiation as a principle, but it should be within the framework of the Constitution. If Taleban do not accept the system and do not respect the Constitution, negotiation with them will not be fruitful. But the government has always tried only to include them in the government and put pressure on its political opposition, not for maintaining overall security. We say that Taleban should leave fighting and live under the Constitution, but the government, to remain in power, promises to grant them ministries and provincial governments. This is not the solution.

Mr. Ulumi, in the past, southern and south-eastern regions have been the main areas of insecurity and unrest, and the northern and other parts of the country have been less insecure. Recently this lack of security has spread to the north of the country. According to some opinions, internal differences in the system, along with presence of Taleban, are factors for lack of security in the north. Do you agree with this opinion?

Yes. Today, of 41 presidential candidates at least 40 of them strive to bring change to the government. This shows that people are not satisfied with the government. Therefore, groups within the government want to disturb the situation and make it an excuse for not holding the Elections so that they can continue to remain in power. On the other hand, most of government officials, especially provincial authorities, are campaigning for the President and this provides a ground for unrest in those areas.

Some people are concerned that lack of security in some areas may provide grounds for cheating in the Elections because Election Monitors cannot reach those areas.

In insecure areas cheating will occur hundred percent. No national or international monitors will go to these areas. The district governors can fill the ballot boxes for the benefit of the ruling candidate. On the other hand, the government is trying to put ballot boxes in insecure areas and hand over the security to local people. This will put election transparency under question. We ask international organizations to help in holding a transparent Election and not let the new government be established based on cheating.

Recently the Ministry of Interior has announced that it wants to maintain election security with the help of local militia (Arbaki) in some areas. What is your opinion about it?

Experience shows that militia and Arbaki groups have never successfully been used as a strategic option for maintaining security. Previously, these measures have been tried without any positive result. I think arming people who are not under control is an unwise act. Today Ministry of Interior gives them money and they work for it, but tomorrow when the government may not be able to pay them, they will join the enemy and start rioting.

What do you think about security after the Elections? If the result of the Elections is disputed, and the people or candidates do not accept the results, what will be the security consequence?

Concerns of the people should be kept in mind, but our objections, in case of cheating in the elections, will be made within civil and legal frameworks.

Mr. Ulumi, if, cheating is involved in the result of the Elections, will your objection be expressed in a way that is similar to that of opponents of Amadinejad in Iran?

Cheating has started from the beginning. Government officials use government facilities in their campaign every day.

If you think that cheating has taken place in the Elections, will you accept the result?

Never, we will never accept the result and we will submit our objection to the national and international legal entities and the Election Commission. Accepting the results of an invalid election will be ignoring the rights of the people.

Mr. Ulumi, you criticized the government in the past 5 years in your roles as a political leader and Member of Parliament. After the Elections will you continue to express your objections through words or will you do other things?

We will express our objections within the framework of the Constitution. I have never supported use of military force and military coups. There is no one in our group who thinks this way.

Finally, Mr. Ulumi, what strategy will be effective in maintaining security for the Election?

Considering threats of the opponents, serious efforts should be made to maintain the security of voting, securing the votes and security of those who voted. People have the right to use their votes to choose their destiny without any fear. We expect national and international forces to strongly maintain the security of voters.

 

Interviewer: Asar Hakimi