Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF), has rejected claims of divisions among anti-Taliban factions, saying that these groups share common values, principles, and objectives. He also emphasized that, if free and transparent elections were held, the Taliban would not be able to compete with political figures who have established popular support.
Speaking on Saturday, 20 Saratan, at a virtual gathering marking the tenth anniversary of the death of Sayed Hussain Anwari, a former jihadi commander, Massoud said that narratives portraying opponents of the Taliban as fragmented and divided do not reflect reality. According to him, such narratives are promoted with the aim of creating disillusionment among the people of Afghanistan and the international community.
The leader of the National Resistance Front urged anti-Taliban groups to remain vigilant against what he described as “divisive narratives.” He stated that these groups have reached agreement on fundamental principles, including the establishment of a political system based on the people’s vote, the rule of law, and political participation. He said these principles form the foundation for cooperation among them.
Massoud also questioned the Taliban’s claims of having popular support, arguing that if free and transparent elections were held, the group would not succeed in competing against well-known political figures. Referring to Abdul Rashid Dostum, a former vice president of Afghanistan, he said: “Is it possible for Marshal Dostum to cast a ballot and a Taliban member to surpass him in an election? Such a thing is impossible.”
The leader of the National Resistance Front stressed that the alternative to the Taliban is not a particular individual or group, but rather a national and lawful process that would pave the way for the creation of a legitimate government based on the will of the people through the establishment of a transitional government, the drafting of a constitution, the convening of a Loya Jirga, and the holding of free elections.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have not held any elections and have not subjected their rule to a public vote. During this period, opposition groups have repeatedly emphasized the need to establish a political alternative, but these efforts have so far failed to produce a broad-based coalition or a practical plan for changing Afghanistan’s political structure.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
