Media Room: Defence Alert

AFGHANISTAN ELECTIONS

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has expressed his best wishes to the people of Afghanistan as they take part in the country’s second democratic presidential election.

“Despite the efforts of the Taliban insurgents to wage a campaign of violence and intimidation, more than 15 million Afghans have the opportunity to cast their votes in the Presidential and Provincial Council elections. Through participation alone, the Afghans are demonstrating their commitment to a future without the fear and oppression offered by the Taliban,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Air Chief Marshal Houston said coalition forces were playing an important role supporting the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army, the lead agencies for security for the elections.

“We have seen the desperate measures that the Taliban have taken in an attempt to disrupt the elections. Security incidents have recently increased, but this has not deterred the Afghan Government nor its people from preparing for the first Afghan-organised election in 30 years. Today, 6,500 polling stations will open to welcome the votes of the more than 15 million Afghans registered for the poll,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Earlier this week, Taliban insurgents launched an attack against members of the Afghan National Army in the Chora Valley which killed four soldiers, and wounded two soldiers, two children and an adult. The attack was a callous and vicious demonstration to the people of Afghanistan that the Taliban have nothing to offer except intimidation and bloodshed.”

There were no Australian casualties as a result of this incident.

Air Chief Marshal Houston congratulated the efforts of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in providing security support to the election process.

“The Australian Government is making a substantial contribution to support the elections, including an infantry company of 120 troops, additional military airlift capacity to provide logistic support, and $9 million in financial assistance. Australia will also be actively involved in observer arrangements as part of the wider international efforts to support the conduct of legitimate elections,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“I also note that following the call for a Day of Peace from the Government of Afghanistan, ISAF will suspend its offensive operations during the election and focus on protecting the civilian population. That means the full focus of ISAF will be on providing additional security support. With ISAF troop numbers in support of the Afghan National Security Forces, there are almost 300,000 personnel involved in security support to the elections.”

Please note the Defence Media Room has a new telephone number.

The new number is 02 6127 1999.

The existing number will be automatically diverted to the new number for 3 months.  The existing after-hours duty mobile 0408 498 664 will remain.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664