Afghanistan elections:A step towards democracy

Describing the upcoming presidential election in Afghanistan as a milestone in the country's short democratic history, the US has hoped that the exercise will be peaceful and acceptable to its people. "We are hopeful that the elections will be peaceful and inclusive and broadly acceptable to the Afghan people. It goes without saying, a stable and acceptable political transition is critical to sustaining international support for Afghanistan," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said. The second Afghan presidential election is scheduled for April 5 with eight candidates in the fray. If latest opinion polls are of indication, the top three candidates in the running are Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Zalmai Rassoul. President, Hamid Karzai, is not contesting the election as the new Afghan Constitution does not allow a third term.