After several months of delay, Afghans finally went to the polls on September 28 in the country’s fourth presidential election since the formation of the Islamic Republic. The elections took place in a very sensitive atmosphere, with an uptick in violent attacks, a low voter turnout, and allegations of fraud raising concern amongst critics and analysts alike. With preliminary results not expected until later this month, and final results not until early November, it remains unclear what the role of the new Afghan government will be in the currently stalled peace process. Will the air of uncertainty surrounding its current role persist or will it take on a renewed sense of purpose in talks, perhaps buoyed by a new mandate? Given the low voter turnout, can the next government even claim to have a strong mandate from the Afghan people. Furthermore, how does the EU see its role in Afghanistan, and how will the elections affect its own policy in the country and the wider region?

On November 14, EastWest Institute's Brussels Centre will host a roundtable entitled "The Results of the Afghanistan Elections: Consequences for the Peace Process and Future EU Policy." Ambassador Nazifullah Salarzai of the Embassy and Mission of Afghanistan in Belgium and Ambassador Roland Kobia, EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, will provide their insights on the wider meaning of the Afghan Elections and their possible implications for the peace process, as well as future EU foreign policy in the region. EWI’s Vice President for Regional Security Ambassador Wolfgang Klapper will provide opening remarks and the discussion will be moderated by EWI’s program associate for its Afghanistan program, Annie Cowan.