Urging the Government of Afghanistan, following a successful first round of the presidential election on April 5, 2014, to pursue a transparent, credible, and inclusive run-off presidential election on June 14, 2014, while ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, poll workers, and election observers.

commends the Government of Afghanistan for holding a successful first round of the presidential election and expresses strong support for a credible, inclusive, and transparent second round on June 14, 2014;

supports the mandate of Afghan electoral bodies such as the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) to administer, adjudicate, and manage polls, as well as oversee logistical and technical preparations in a transparent, fair, and credible manner to prevent fraud and misconduct;

encourages the Government of Afghanistan to implement measures that will increase voter participation, particularly among the Afghan female population;

recognizes the determination of the Afghan people to exercise their right to vote and determine their country’s destiny;

urges the Government of Afghanistan to take steps to assure that fraudulent electoral activities do not take place during the runoff;

urges the IEC to adopt measures to better mitigate fraud, improve electoral transparency of the polling and counting process, and communicate these measures clearly and consistently to the people of Afghanistan;

urges close and continuing communication between the IEC and the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) to identify and provide security for vulnerable areas of the country during the election period;

encourages all elements of Afghan society to refrain from fomenting violence and other disturbances in voting areas;

urges the ANSF to make every necessary effort to ensure the safety of voters, candidates, poll workers, and election observers;

expresses its support for the full participation of Afghan civil society in the election process;

recognizes that a democratically-elected government that reflects the will of the Afghan people and is committed to combating terrorism would promote the long-term stability and security interests of Afghanistan, its neighbors, and its partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization International Security Assistance Force, including the United States; and

recognizes the sacrifices of United States and coalition armed forces that have contributed, and will continue to contribute, to the security and stability of Afghanistan.