Press Releases
Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on Holding of Presidential and Provincial Council Elections in Afghanistan
1. The Government of Japan welcomes the holding of Presidential and Provincial Council elections in Afghanistan as scheduled on April 5. The Government of Japan also respects the spirit and courage of the Afghan citizens who went to the polls despite the severe security situation.
2. The Government of Japan strongly condemns acts of terrorism that occurred at and around some polling centers and actions that disrupted the election. The Government of Japan also extends its condolences to the victims of the terrorism and their bereaved families, and offers its sympathies to the injured.
3. The Government of Japan hopes that the process up to the announcement of the final results, including counting and tallying ballots and responding to complaints, will proceed in a fair, prompt and peaceful manner.