U.N. official upbeat about upcoming Afghan elections

UNITED NATIONS – Preparations for landmark presidential elections in Afghanistan next month are on track despite a string of attacks and killings in recent weeks, a U.N. official said Tuesday.

Violence, though, remains a threat, said Jean-Marie Guehenno, the undersecretary-general for peacekeeping.

“Multiple incidents across the country on or around election day cannot be excluded,” Guehenno told the U.N. Security Council. “All efforts must be undertaken to be fully prepared to react to attacks, especially on polling sites, transportation of ballots and counting centers.”

But Guehenno expressed confidence that extensive security measures would prevent large-scale attacks in the country’s first presidential election since the Taliban were ousted almost three years ago.

“In spite of some events, the election in Afghanistan will happen … in the atmosphere of safety,” Guehenno told reporters before briefing the 15-nation council.

His optimistic tone contrasted with a grim assessment last weekend by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, who said U.S.-led forces trying to protect the elections still face about 2,000 insurgents, including al Qaeda militants slipping in from Pakistan.

Lt. Gen. David Barno said violence would “more than likely” increase before the Oct. 9 vote and urged NATO forces and the United Nations to steel themselves.

Militants on Tuesday ambushed an Afghan military patrol in a southern Taliban stronghold, sparking a three-hour gunbattle that left four troops and two rebels dead, an Afghan official said.

More than 900 people have died in political violence across Afghanistan. Election workers also have been directly targeted, with 10 Afghans and two foreigners killed, according to Guehenno.

Guehenno acknowledged the election wouldn’t be perfect but said security measures and the presence of Afghan and international forces at the polls would prevent any large-scale attacks.

The U.N.-Afghan election commission says 10.5 million Afghans have registered to vote, although Guehenno acknowledged some may have registered twice.

U.S.-backed interim President Hamid Karzai is widely expected to defeat 17 challengers for a five-year term as the country’s first popularly elected leader.

All ballot boxes and printed material have arrived in Afghanistan and were being distributed to provincial offices, Guehenno said.

More than 16,000 domestic observers or monitors and about 225 international monitors will keep a close watch on the elections, Guehenno said.