Presidential and Provincial Council elections in Afghanistan were held on Saturday, April 5, 2014. The campaign has generated widespread enthusiasm among Afghans, and the political stakes are high. Across the country, millions of Afghans cast their ballots in what will be the country’s first democratic transition of power.

On Wednesday morning, April 9th, USIP hosted a group of experts to provide their first impressions and initial analyses. First, Kabul-based experts, led by USIP Country Director Shahmahmood Miakhel offered their opinions from Kabul by videolink. Then a Washington-based panel added their views and took questions from the audience. The Washington-based panel was led by Scott Smith, director for Afghanistan & Central Asia Programs at USIP.

Take the opportunity to gain a well-informed analysis of the elections, how they went, and what they might mean for Afghanistan’s future by watching the event recording below. Continue the conversation on Twitter with #USIPAfghanistan.

Speakers

Hamid Arsalan, Discussant
Program Officer, National Endowment for Democracy
Washington, D.C.

Najla Ayubi, Discussant
Deputy Country Representative, The Asia Foundation
Kabul

Jed Ober, Discussant
Director of Programs, Democracy International
Washington, D.C.

Peter Manikas, Discussant
Senior Associate & Regional Director for Asia Programs, The National Democratic Institute
Washington, D.C.

Shahmahmood Miakhel, Discussant
Afghanistan Country Director, U.S. Institute of Peace
Kabul

Nader Nadery, Discussant
Chairman and Founder, Free & Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan
Kabul

Nargis Nehan, Discussant
Executive Director, Equality for Peace and Democracy
Kabul

Scott Smith, Moderator
Director, Afghanistan & Central Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace
Washington, D.C.