13 October 2004 (RFE/RL) -- The commander of U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan said today that the recent presidential election there constitutes a defeat for terrorism, news agencies reported.
U.S. General David Barno told reporters in Kabul that the balloting confirms that a peaceful political process based on democracy "will always trump terrorist threats and intimidation."
"The overwhelming success of this election [in Afghanistan] is a strategic defeat for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda and is a turning point for Afghanistan and the Afghan people," Barno said. "This election confirmed that a peaceful political process based on democracy and freedom will always trump terrorist threats and intimidation."
Although observers were mostly satisfied with the election, all candidates have complained of irregularities in voting procedures. A special commission has been assembled to look into the charges and candidates have until tomorrow evening to file grievances.
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