Afghanistan: Taliban Orders Boycott Of Elections

Today, the Taliban called for a boycott of the August elections, and pledged to keep fighting their ” Holy war to free the country from foreign invaders.”

In a statement released to the media today, the Taliban also said that its fighters would block roads on the eve of the elections in order to prevent voters to go to the polling stations.

The Taliban statement said: “All Afghans, in line with their Afghan and Islamic principles, must boycott this deceiving American process. To achieve real independence instead of going to fake election centers, they must go to Jihadi trenches, and through resistance and Jihad (holy war) they must free their invaded country from the invaders.”

This statement comes two days after the top UN official in Afghanistan, Kai Eide, urged the Taliban not to disrupt the election process. The new statement from the Taliban could translate into a low turnout by voters, and even put in  jeopardy the legitimacy of the August 20TH  presidential election.

A few days ago, the Taliban released a “code of conduct” urging its fighters to limit suicide attacks and avoid civilian casualties. The publication of this book indicates that key Taliban leader, Mullah Omar, wants to exercise a more centralized control of the Taliban’s operations.

Al Jazeera has obtained a copy of the book in question. The book will be issued to every Taliban fighters it is entitled: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Rules for Mujaheddin,” it  is more or less a Taliban manual defining its military rules of engagement.

For quotes from the book  provided, and translated in English by Al Jazeera click here.