NOK 70 million for election in Afghanistan

The presidential election will be held in Afghanistan on 20 August this year. Norway will provide NOK 70 million for the preparation and holding of the election.  

This funding will help to strengthen the independent election commission, support the establishment of an independent complaints commission to quality assure the nomination process and an independent media commission to monitor media coverage. It will also provide support for independent Afghan election observers and for the preparation of election materials.  

“We are pleased to see that a date has now been set for the presidential election. This means that the country has taken a big step forward towards the forthcoming elections,” said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre. 

“Now that the date has been fixed, it will be possible for the international community to provide Afghanistan with the necessary support in the form of security and international election observers,” Mr Støre continued.  

The support provided by Norway makes it one of the most important donors in connection with the election. These funds will be coordinated by the UN.  

“It is important that the elections are conducted in such a way as to ensure that participation is a broad as possible. This is vital in order to strengthen democracy in Afghanistan,” Mr Støre added.