2- Afghanistan’s Historic Election - August, 2009

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Afghanistan’s Historic Election
Coordinated Effort Protects Afghan Voters
Zabul Province, Afghanistan
Friday, August 21, 2009
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As Afghans took to the streets yesterday to exercise their right to vote authorities here worked together to provide security for polling stations across the province.
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The Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers coordinated security for more than 40 polling stations.
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“The strong coordination of [Afghan and NATO] forces in Zabul to protect the people allowed them to vote for their favorite candidate,” Gov. Mohammad Ashraf Naseri said.
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Coordination for most of the election took place at the province’s Operations Coordination and Cooperation Center, which serves as the hub of information for the army, the police and National Department of Security’s provincial office. All the organizations worked together to draft and implement a security plan, officials said.
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During the elections, the center’s personnel tracked polling stations and supplies, as well as the movements of election officials, watching for events that might disrupt the election process. Despite incidents of small-arms fire and mortar and rocket attacks, officials said, the province saw little violence. The polls were scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but many sites extended hours to accommodate voters.
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“The international community should continue to support the security, development and the people of Afghanistan,” Naseri said. “Without the support of the international community, we will not be able to provide the proper security for the people.”
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ISAF troops fulfilled the quick-reaction-force role, responsible for being ready at a moment's notice to aid the Afghan army and police. ISAF troops also served as mentors, ensuring that the army and police executed their security plans.
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The people of Zabul were happy to go to the polling stations and vote, said Afghanistan National Army Col. Rahmuttula Spaloni, Zabul province commander.
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Naseri called the election a momentous event in Afghanistan history that allows the people to show their support for stability and peace.

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Taken from a DoD’s American Forces Press Service News Article - Written by Army Staff Sgt. Marcos Alices, Special to American Forces Press Service - Staff Sgt. Alices serves in the Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan public affairs office
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The Wall Street Journal brings us the following report... With votes being tallied, the two top contenders for Afghanistan's presidency -- incumbent Hamid Karzai and former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah -- each declared themselves well ahead in the count Friday, seeking to position themselves as the eventual victor... Both Mr. Karzai's and Dr. Abdullah's supporters said reports from their observers, who were monitoring the vote tally, indicated that they had won more than 50 percent of the vote and would not need to face each other in a runoff election...
Read this report in full at link below...
Karzai, Abdullah Claim Victory in Afghanistan
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Guardian.co.uk reports Afghan election this way...
Western diplomats laud Afghan election
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The Houston Chronicle has this report posted up on their website this Friday afternoon and it starts off like this... President Barack Obama congratulated the Afghan people Friday for pulling off a presidential election in the midst of violent intimidation by Taliban militants but cautioned that more difficult days lie ahead for the war-weary nation...
Read the full report at link below...
Obama lauds Afghan vote, warns of more violence

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Afghanistan, August 20, 2009: Both men and women alike came out on Election Day to cast their votes... saying they were not frightened to come out and choose their President...

This video posted on YouTube by AubreyJ818

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AubreyJ.........