Press release

Foreign Secretary welcomes second round election in Afghanistan

The Foreign Secretary welcomes the holding of second round of Afghan election.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Millions of Afghans today took part in the second round of their presidential election, the first time that a second round has ever taken place in an election in Afghanistan.

Speaking about today’s election, Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

Today the Afghan people have once again shown the world their determination to have a say in their country’s future by turning out to vote in large numbers, and they should be hugely proud of their achievement. Their resolve in the face of threats and intimidation is an inspiration.

As the polls are now closed, I hope that both Presidential candidates and their teams will show the same patience and respect to the electoral authorities as they did during the first round. It is essential that everyone acts in the interests of stability and national unity. The UK looks forward to working with whichever candidate the Afghan people have chosen to become their new President.

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Published 14 June 2014