Publication

The outcome of the Afghan parliamentary elections of September 2010 is mixed. Clearly, there were shortcomings in terms of security and legitimacy, yet they also point to a number of positive developments on last year’s presidential vote. As a result, the elections should be seen as a small step towards greater Afghan leadership, but the decision to complete the process of transition to Afghan security lead by 2014 and, in turn, the withdrawal of NATO forces, has largely been made. The outcome of the elections appears not to have derailed this timetable.