Council for a Community of Democracies

Karzai Sworn in as Afghan President Despite Fraudulent Election
November 19, 2009
By: Randi Zung

On November 19, Afghan incumbent President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a second five-year term, bringing closure to the fraud-ridden election that was originally held on August 20. BBC News reports the city of Kabul was put on lockdown for the ceremony with Thursday being declared a holiday and citizens told to remain in their homes. The ceremony was held at Karzai’s palace with several international figureheads in attendance.

Reuters reports that in his inaugural address, Karzai pledged to fight corruption and called for the establishment of a “loya jirga,” an assembly that would give primacy to the Afghan constitution over the powers of the government and the presidency. In an effort to establish a more legitimate government, Karzai also promised to appoint “competent and professional” government officials. In addition, Karzai offered a job to his main challenger Abdullah Abdullah. Abdullah, skeptical of Karzai’s promises to end corrupt political practices, remarked that he has no intention of accepting a position in Karzai’s government. For his second term, Karzai also stated that he hopes to work towards establishing control over Afghanistan without help from Western countries. Despite praise from several international dignitaries, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented that Afghanistan was still a long way away from being able to legitimately govern without assistance from the United States. BBC News also reports that Clinton said the US would start to reduce civilian aid if corruption issues were not addressed in a timely manner.

According to The New York Times, Karzai praised the officials who investigated the election corruption – noting that the event was “a historic moment, and great steps toward democracy and people’s power.” Karzai pledged to bring peace to the Afghan nation by uniting it through “Afghan pride.” Additionally, he referred to himself as a servant to every Afghan citizen, claiming that he would work in the interest of everyone regardless of class, ethnicity, or tribal affiliation. BBC News also reports that the Taliban dismissed Karzai’s call for unification. In a phone call to the Associated Press, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said: “Karzai's call to the Taliban to come to the government has no meaning. He became president through fraud and lies.” Voice of America quoted Karzai as stating the “problem of international terrorism” would be defeated as the country’s internal forces strengthened.

Sources:
Voice of America - Karzai Sworn in for Second Term as Afghan President
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-11-19-voa3.cfm

BBC News - Karzai sets target for Afghanistan forces to take over
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8367293.stm

The New York Times - Karzai Sworn In for Second Term as Afghan President
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/world/asia/20afghan.html?_r=1&hp

Reuters - Karzai sworn in as Afghan leader, vows to fight graft
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5AH10G20091119