Iran Congratulates Afghanistan on Successful Holding of Elections

In a statement released on Wednesday, Qassemi said Iran welcomes the recent parliamentary elections in Afghanistan, which was finally held after three years of delays with endeavors and determination of the people and government of the country.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran… considers it as a positive development toward the establishment of democracy and achievement of security, stability and development in the neighboring country,” he said.

Tehran hopes that, with the formation of the new parliament, the process of developments would resolve problems there and lead to lasting peace, security, and prosperity for the Afghan nation, the spokesman went on to say.

Millions of Afghan people went to polling stations on the weekend to cast ballots despite a number of deadly attacks which were carried out during the voting process.

In a suicide attack in Kabul, at least 10 civilians and five Afghan police personnel were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a polling station in the city. Dozens more were wounded as a result of the bombing. The Taliban insurgents had threatened to attack any Afghan who goes to the ballot boxes.

According to the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC), almost four million Afghans in 32 provinces voted during the two days of elections in the country.

More than 2,500 candidates, including 400 women, were running for 249 seats in the Lower House of Parliament.

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