KABUL (PAN): US ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry has urged the people of Afghanistan to fully participate in next month's presidential election run-off set for November 7.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the US envoy reiterated his country's continued support to Afghanistan and the election process.

"I would like to encourage Afghans to come out of their houses and cast their vote," he said adding that it was people's responsibility to use their right to vote in a democratic system. He said November 7 was a crucial day for the Afghans.

US President Barack Obama has also reaffirmed his support for Afghanistan and the elections.

Eikenberry added President Obama had talked to President Karzai and appreciated his courage for agreeing to the second round of polls.

"President Obama also talked to Karzai and Abudllah to congratulate them for the campaign they run and wished them good luck in the coming weeks," he added.

"This is part of the ongoing review with the administration at the implementation of our strategy in Afghanistan and these kinds of dialogues with US president, Gen. Stanley McChrystal and me within the administration really reaffirm our commitment to the success of Afghanistan," he added.

Asked about the challenges in the elections, the US envoy said: "Well, there are many challenges with the election. But we should be clear that the whole process of planning of the election didn't begin soon enough." He added that it was the first time, "the first time Afghanistan is leading its election."

Asked about the August 20 elections, he said, the process was organized in a short time and that was why it was not very successful. However, he added, the US, NATO, UN and other partners would learn from this experience.

"We should be flexible, adoptable and supportive so as the electoral institutions of Afghanistan could have more positive results and all of this depend on the Afghan citizens to make it a success," he added. 

He said Karzai set a good example in the history of democracy in Afghanistan by deciding for a second round of elections.

After a day visit to Maimana, capital of Faryab province in the northern zone, the US envoy said he observed that people were very much eager to participate in the runoff polls.

He said his country wanted to see Afghanistan a sovereign country with strong security organizations. He also supported the reconciliation process.

Eikenberry said the election in Afghanistan was very important because it was the first time that the Afghan government was handling the process.

He said the US had lost 50 soldiers and marines in the last election because of their belief in the rule of law.

dk/ma