Unit 4: Afghanistan is still a long way from democracy

http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/afghanistan-still-long-way-democracy

Worldwide, there are three main systems of government: parliamentary, semi-presidential, and presidential. During the 1950's, 60% of the world was considered parliamentary, 30% semi-presidential, and only 10% presidential. In present times, much more of the world has switched to a democracy-type of government ran by a president. In fact, nearly two-thirds of the world are ran by either semi-presidential or presidential systems of government.

Afghanistan is considered part of the two-thirds majority as it has a presidential system of government. However, their strive for democracy is taking a great amount of time. Saturday Afghans will participate in an election to replace President Hamid Karzai.

As many voters have admitted to wanting to participate in their country's future, the threat of danger lurks for many. Violence may prevent voting levels from reaching their full potential. Just last Friday in eastern Afghanistan, two Associated Press journalists were shot by Afghan police officers while traveling alongside election workers. This specific attack was subsequent to Taliban attack on the Kabul office of government election administration panel last week. The percentage is raising fast, but currently, 10% of voting locations have been closed due to the potential danger of the site.

Another concern becoming apparent in voters' minds is potential government-sanctioned fraud. In the previous election in 2009, President Karzai's rival candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, believed the election was rigged. The allegations that followed caused mayhem in the country and almost resulted in a civil war. Many voters also question if Karzai will leave the government alone after he steps down. Some are concerned that he or his allies may continue to manipulate government decisions.

While the country is trying to become more of a democracy, the difficulty of preventing a civil war is evident. With the Taliban controlling large areas of the county, uproars of damage and violence are quite possible. Many argue that it is more important for the results of the election to be accepted by Afghans than for the results to model a stronger sense of democracy.