The recent violence in Afghanistan, notably yesterday's attack in Kandahar and recent assaults on civilians and candidates for the parliamentary elections during political rallies, aims at dissuading voters to exercise their democratic right. But nobody can deprive the Afghan people of the right to decide their own future.

The development of sustainable democratic institutions is a vital condition for a more stable and peaceful Afghanistan, for all its citizens. There is a shared responsibility towards the people of Afghanistan to enable a safe environment allowing the Afghan people to come out and vote on Saturday. We stand by the people of Afghanistan in line with our commitment to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the country.

The European Union expresses its condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks and wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured.