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#Videocrux - Afghanistan gears up for second democratic elections Afghanistan gears up for second democratic elections
War-torn Afghanistan is gearing up for its second ever democratic elections on August 20. Many Afghans say they are still waiting for the fruits of democracy as they struggle against high inflation and unemployment.
Candidates begin campaigns two months before election
Former foreign minister, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah is one of dozens of candidates vying to oust current president, Hamid Karzai, in the August polls.
Afghani locals not at all hopeful from the election
While the political elite are embracing Afghanistan’s democratic process, ordinary people are less enthusiastic. Two out of five people are unemployed. Esmatullah, "Nothing will change because those who are in power today will still be in power won’t do anything after the elections. They’ve built us roads but we haven’t had electricity for the past six, seven years."
Bombings and war killed more than 2,000 civilians
The on-going Taliban insurgency is also taking its toll on many Afghans. The UN estimates more than 2,000 civilians were killed last year in bombings, and clashes between foreign troops and militants. That’s 40 percent more than in 2007. Observers say it is now crucial for the Afghan government to organize free, fair and safe elections.
The elite candidates expected to bring fair judgments
Ahmad Behzad, Political analyst, "The expectations of the Afghan nation and the international community are for the people involved in the elections to prevent fraud and violation of the law. This is so the polls can be transparent, just and competitive, where people's vote is effective."

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