[ Afghan Elections 2004-2005 ]

9. Gholam Faruq NEJRABI
Born: 1953 (Hegira 1332) in eastern Kapisa Province
Political Affiliation: ran for president as candidate of the Afghanistan Independence Party (Hizb-e Istiqlal-e Afghanistan), of which he is also party leader
First Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Abdul Fatah
Second Vice-Presidential Running Mate in 2004: Abdul Hanan

Nejrabi finished 11th in the 2004 presidential race with just 0.3 percent of the vote. He is a pediatrician and surgeon as well as being the head of the Independence Party of Afghanistan.
    Nejrabi campaigned on a pledge to reject "foreigners' direct or indirect interference" in the country's affairs, as well as to "fight all forms of dependency, particularly the modern colonization efforts that our country is facing" (Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dari). While he stressed good relations with neighboring states, Nejrabi said young people must be prepared to defend their country and that Afghanistan thus required a stronger and better-trained national army (Afghanistan Television).
    Nejrabi has fiercely criticized the United Nations, international aid, and nongovernmental organizations, suggesting he would like to see their operations shut down in Afghanistan (Radio Kelid). Nejrabi also stressed the need for Afghans to "stand on our own two feet," adding that the country's wealth of natural resources and potential for agricultural development could allow it to "become self-sufficient" ("Kabul Bahar").
    He listed his policy goals in 2004 as eradicating illegal-drug cultivation and trafficking, curbing administrative corruption, combating terrorism, and increasing employment (Radio Kelid).
    Nejrabi has credited religious scholars with having been "the primary elements in forging peace in Afghanistan," suggesting that such individuals should continue to encourage freedom and cooperation (Afghanistan Television).
    Nejrabi was one of four candidates who did not join a call for Hamid Karzai to resign his Transitional Administration chairmanship to run in the presidential election in 2004.

SOURCES: JEMB; RFE/RL; Radio Free Afghanistan; Ludwig W. Adamec, "Historical Dictionary of Afghanistan"; Martin Ewans, "Afghanistan: A Short History of Its People and Politics"; and as noted.