Common menu bar
Archived Document
Appendix
Vision:
A more secure Kandahar that is better governed and can deliver basic services to its citizens, supported by a more capable national government that can better provide for its security, manage its borders and sustain stability and reconstruction gains over the longer term.
Priorities:
- Training and Mentoring Afghan National Security Forces
- Basic Services
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Border Security and Dialogue
- Democratic Development and National Institutions
- Political Reconciliation
To support this vision and the priorities laid out in this report, the Government of Canada has identified a number of benchmarks and progress indicators that will help to:
- gauge levels of progress being achieved, or not, as the case may be;
- identify if and when adjustments to its approach are required, given the complex environment; and
- report results frankly to Canadians.
Benchmarking in Afghanistan is a difficult task with reporting dependent on gathering information while operating in a conflict zone.
- Benchmarks are reference points that help assess progress in specific priority areas. The benchmarks are in some cases quantitative, providing numerical targets, and in other cases qualitative, for instance gauging public perception or assessing the implementation of policies and programs.
- Progress indicators provide more specific information on how work is proceeding against those reference points. The challenge with progress indicators is in the ability to regularly report against them on a quarterly basis.
- Baselines refer to the current status of developments associated with the progress indicators, are a fixed point, and will not change over time.
- Targets are the level of progress that we hope to achieve by 2011. Some targets have already been met.
Training and Mentoring Afghan National Security Forces
Context: Benchmarks to measure Afghan National Army (ANA) progress are very precise and consistent with NATO’s overall ANA training initiatives. To strengthen the policing, justice and corrections sectors, our benchmarks include both quantitative and qualitative indicators. A number of external factors will affect our ability to make progress in these areas. Insurgent violence deliberately targeting Afghan police has resulted in high rates of death, injury and desertion, which degrade police effectiveness and limit our ability to track trained police officers. Canada is one of many actors contributing to rule-of-law reform. Afghan ministries are leading this process and key international partners are playing critical roles.
Benchmark: Increase in the number of ANA kandaks (army battalions) in Kandahar capable of conducting near-autonomous security operations, and increase in the capability of their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANA kandaks | One of the five ANA kandaks is fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations (June 2008). | To have four of the five ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | The ANA brigade headquarters and three of the six kandaks are fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. This represents an increase of one kandak over the last quarter. |
Benchmark: Increase and/or maintain the effective strength (troops trained, ready and available for operations) of Kandahar-based ANA kandaks and their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks | One of the five ANA kandaks has an effective strength of 67% and the remainder currently have an effective strength of over 80%. The ANA brigade headquarters has an effective strength of 77% (June 2008). | To sustain the level of effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) at 70% or higher. | The brigade headquarters and two kandaks had an effective strength of 70% or higher. This represents an increase over last quarter. |
Benchmark: Progressive increase in the security burden shouldered by the ANA in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the Canadian Forces.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are executed by the ANA. | 45% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA (April 2009). | 65% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA. | With the recent changes to the size of coalition forces within the Canadian AOR, there are now proportionately fewer ANA forces available to conduct partnered operations. ANA forces executed nearly 58% of total security operations. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are led by the ANA. | 45% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA (April 2009). | 65% of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA. | With the recent changes to the size of coalition forces within the Canadian AOR, there are now proportionately fewer ANA forces available to conduct partnered operations. ANA forces led 47% of total security operations. |
“Total security operations” include ANA operations, ANA operations with international coalition forces and operations undertaken by international coalition forces without ANA participation. “Executed” means operations in which the ANA participated. “Led” means operations that were planned by the ANA and in which ANA forces participated.
Benchmark: To increase the number of key districts where the ANA are perceived by the majority of the population to be a professional and effective force that contributes to their well-being in key districts of Kandahar province.
Approval rating for the ANA is defined as being perceived as a professional and capable force.
Benchmark: Increase in the number of key districts of Kandahar province where there is a perceived improvement of security conditions.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of key districts where the majority of Kandaharis perceive security as improving. | In zero of the six key districts, a majority of Kandaharis feel secure or perceive security as improving (June 2008). | The majority of Kandaharis in all six of the key districts feel secure or perceive security as improving. | Although a majority of Kandaharis did not perceive security as improving in any of the six key districts, in one district 50% viewed security as improving, and in a further three districts they perceived an increase in overall security over the last quarter. |
Benchmark: Increased Afghan National Police (ANP) capacity to provide effective police services in key districts of Kandahar.
Focused District Development (FDD) is a six-phase police reform program that involves retraining, equipping and mentoring district police forces as consolidated units, over six to eight months (but generally lasts longer).
FDD is assessed by Capability Milestones. Capability Milestone 2 is defined as “the police unit, staff function or installation can conduct basic law and order operations, management or leadership tasks (appropriate to local circumstances) with occasional assistance from an international advisor or police mentor team.”
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Five permanent substations have been constructed and equipped in key districts (August 2008).
| 15 new infrastructure projects, such as construction of substations or checkpoints, and 15 upgrades to existing ANP facilities are completed in key districts in Kandahar province. | *Correction: The previous quarterly report inverted the numbers and under reported for new infrastructure projects and upgrades. The correct information should have read: seven infrastructure projects and 17 upgrades completed to date. Two new infrastructure projects were completed this quarter, for a total of nine. |
Benchmark: Improved detention facilities in Kandahar that support the work of the Afghan National Police (ANP).
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Sarpoza prison and the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) detention centre in Kandahar. | Immediate repairs were made in the wake of the attack on Sarpoza prison. Detailed needs assessments for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at both NDS and Sarpoza have been completed and project plans have been developed in consultation with the Afghan government (August 2008). | 19 planned infrastructure projects, such as repairs to security infrastructure and refurbishment of prisoner quarters, are completed in Sarpoza prison in keeping with international standards and best practices. 12 planned equipment purchases, such as communications equipment, uniforms and office furnishing, are delivered to Sarpoza prison in keeping with international standards and best practices. | Two infrastructure projects— reconstruction of the warden’s compound and construction of a visitation unit—were completed, bringing the cumulative total to 17 infrastructure projects. EQUIPMENT TARGET ACHIEVED: Two equipment purchases were completed this quarter, bringing the cumulative total to 12 equipment purchases. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of corrections officials trained and mentored in Kandahar. | 23 corrections officers (30%) and one senior manager (50%) have successfully completed initial corrections training; and two senior managers (100%) are participating in management training (August 2008). | 100% of corrections officers and managers will have successfully completed their initial and advanced training programs. | TARGET ACHIEVED: As reported last quarter, Canada’s target for training corrections officers has been met: Canada has trained 100% of corrections officers at current staffing levels. “Sustainment training” for new recruits continues to be delivered by Afghan trainers under Canadian mentorship. Specialized training courses also continue to be delivered by Canadian Correctional Services experts. |
Benchmark: Improved justice sector: a working court system in KandaharCity with competent judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and administrative personnel in place.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of training programs in place for justice officials Kandahar. | There are no current training programs for justice officials in Kandahar (August 2008). | Four training programs for justice officials in Kandahar are made available for those practising law and those involved in administering the legal system. | Three courses were provided to justice officials in Kandahar this quarter, in forensic medicine and conduct/ethics. These courses helped to advance three of the four training programs identified in the 2011 target. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of justice sector infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Minimal judicial infrastructure exists. The Attorney General and Ministry of Justice building requires repair. In Kandahar City, there is one courthouse which is in disrepair and housing for judges and prosecutors is inadequate. In the other districts, there are only three courthouses, all of which require upgrading. | Five justice facilities, including the ANP Prosecutor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and High Court are built or rehabilitated to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. Three justice facilities, including the Land Registry Office (Cadastre), ANP Prosecutor’s Office and High Court are equipped to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. | One infrastructure project in support of justice institutions was completed this quarter for a total of three infrastructure projects completed to date. EQUIPMENT TARGET ACHIEVED: Three equipment purchases were delivered to justice facilities this quarter, for a total of three facilities equipped to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Improved Ministry of Justice capacity to draft, revise, translate and promulgate laws passed by the Afghan government. | Afghan Ministry of Justice’s legislative drafting unit lacks the required capacity, processes and infrastructure to draft, revise, translate and promulgate legislation in an effective and timely manner (August 2008). | The Afghan Ministry of Justice’s legislative drafting unit achieves improved capacity. | The Canadian Technical Advisor facilitated the opening of a new computer lab and small library at the Legislative Drafting Unit, which will improve the unit’s capacity. A specialized training workshop on legislative drafting techniques was also delivered. |
Basic Services
Context: A number of benchmarks have been established under this priority, though some are less tangible than others as they are based on Afghan perception and will be measured against findings from public opinion research. It is important to note that polling in a complex environment like Kandahar is challenging and results may not always be reliable.
In the case of the Dahla Dam signature project, some key indicators have been established relating to the area of land irrigated and number of jobs created.
Benchmark: The Dahla Dam and its irrigation and canal system rehabilitated, generating jobs and fostering agriculture. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Progress in the rehabilitation of the physical structures of the Dahla Dam and its irrigation components. | Access road completed and bridge nearing completion (March 2009). | Completion of all planned rehabilitation activities in accordance with the project plan. | Resectioning work on the main canal began this quarter. This included the removal of 85,000 cubic metres of silt and other materials from the canal, which has improved water flow along the system and to the district. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of jobs created by the Dahla Dam project. | Project plan is in development and will be finalized in the fall of 2008. | 10,000 seasonal jobs created by the project. | 806 jobs were created this quarter for a cumulative total of 1,211. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of hectares of land benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | 20,000 hectares of land currently have access to irrigation (to varying degree and quality) via the Dahla Dam and its irrigation system | 30,000 hectares in total benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | Up to 3,500 hectares of land have benefited from improved irrigation this quarter. |
Benchmark: A total of 50 schools built, expanded or repaired in Kandahar. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of school projects (built, expanded or repaired) in key districts. | 19 school projects contracted and one school project completed (June 2008). | 50 schools built, expanded or repaired. | Two schools were completed this quarter for a total of 16. Another 27 schools are currently under construction. |
Benchmark: Local and provincial institutions able to meet and implement the objectives of the National Education Strategic Plan for Afghanistan.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of teachers trained in Kandahar. | No teachers trained as yet through Canadian programming (June 2008). | 3,000 trained teachers. | To date, training in nine different subject areas has been delivered to teachers in Kandahar. This training has reached 1,472 participants. Some teachers may have benefited from more than one training session. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of people receiving literacy training, vocational education and skills development. | More than 5,000 individuals have received literacy training. Some 735 individuals have received vocational training (2007). | 20,000 additional individuals to receive literacy training. 1,070 additional individuals to receive vocational training. | TARGET ACHIEVED: Over 23,500 individuals have received literacy training and over 5,000 have received vocational and skills development training. Both figures are cumulative totals. |
Benchmark: Provincial institutions and community groups able to identify and implement infrastructure projects.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of communities in key districts that have completed infrastructure projects undertaken by the locally elected bodies. | 60% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects (December 2007). | 75% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects. | 71% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects, an increase from 70% last quarter. |
Benchmark: Kandaharis have confidence in the ability of the government in Kandahar to deliver basic services, particularly education and water, and
job-oriented economic growth.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of Kandaharis who perceive an improvement in dependable delivery of services. | 75% of Kandaharis polled indicate they are satisfied with efforts of provincial and local-level government to improve quality of life. 64% of Kandaharis polled are somewhat or very satisfied with provision of education. 39% of polled Kandaharis indicated they are satisfied with employment (February 2008). | To maintain and improve on perception of service delivery. | 56% of Kandaharis polled are satisfied with the Afghan government’s efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities, 56% are satisfied with the provision of education and 64% are satisfied with employment in their communities. These figures are increases over last quarter. |
Benchmark: New economic opportunities created in key districts for Kandaharis.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of business enterprises and cooperatives operating in key districts. | 206 agricultural cooperatives registered (April 2006) and 72 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating (July 2008). | Steady expansion of the number of enterprises in key districts. | Over 1,100 businesses have registered to date. Reporting on progress this quarter has not yet been received. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of microfinance and savings clients served. | 30 microfinance loans provided to clients in Kandahar (March 2008). | Loans for 500 clients in Kandahar through the Microfinance Investment Support Facility. | TARGET ACHIEVED: Over 1,100 clients in Kandahar have been provided with loans and services continue to expand. |
Humanitarian Assistance
Context: The first benchmark in this priority includes a series of quantitative and qualitative measures, as no single indicator is comprehensive enough to provide a complete picture. Considered together, they will help to provide an assessment of progress.
The challenges for this priority are not in the indicators themselves, but in the ability to report against them on a quarterly basis given that evaluations and assessments are undertaken across longer time frames. The evolving nature of security can challenge humanitarian access and limit the ability to report publicly on some efforts below the national level. It is also important to note that with some information, such as mine victims, officially reported numbers are only estimates given that many accidents go unreported.
Benchmark: Achievement of polio eradication in Afghanistan. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of children receiving the polio vaccine during each of the multiple national campaigns conducted annually—multiple vaccinations are required to stop transmission of polio. | In 2007, approximately 27.7 million vaccinations were administered to 7 million children during four national campaigns (2007). | Eradication by vaccination by 2009. | In February and March, an estimated 390,000 and 397,000 children respectively were vaccinated in Kandahar, representing 96% and 98% of the targeted children reached in each campaign. In addition, in January, approximately 17,000 children—including over 9,000 girls and 7,900 boys—were vaccinated by “transit teams” deployed in the border areas. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of polio cases reported. | 17 cases reported nationally (2007). | Eradication by 2009. | Seven new cases were identified this quarter. No cases were reported in Kandahar. |
Benchmark: Public institutions able to plan and coordinate emergency assistance and support to vulnerable populations in Kandahar.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Quantity of humanitarian food aid delivered in response to need. | 6.7 million Afghans (approximately 21%) supported with food aid, representing 214,000 tonnes of food against an identified need where 30% of the Afghan population were considered chronically food insecure (January-December 2007). | Maintain and/or improve the number of Afghans receiving food assistance in proportion to need. | During the quarter, Canadian funding helped the World Food Programme provide over 22,300 tonnes of food nationally. In 2009, a total of 275,000 tonnes of food were provided to over 9 million beneficiaries. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The capacity of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Committee (PDMC) to put in place effective disaster preparedness plans. | The PDMC and United Nations in Kandahar developed a comprehensive contingency plan for a severe winter in 2007 and anticipated spring floods. Two training sessions were provided for the PDMC on disaster management. | By 2011, PDMC will have developed comprehensive strategies and coordination mechanisms for responding to disasters. | In response to severe flooding in Kandahar this quarter, the PDMC organized a joint assessment and verification exercise in three key districts to distribute food and medical supplies to flood-affected families. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The access that vulnerable populations—women, children, disabled persons, returnees and internally displaced persons—have to essential quality health services. | 111 health care staff have received training (June 2008). | 500 health care workers trained. | TARGET ACHIEVED: Reporting from implementing partners indicates that, to date, over 1,200 health care workers have been trained. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The amount of land released and made available for communities as a result of survey and clearance of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) nationally and in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 180 square kilometres of land were released and made available nationally. | A cumulative total of 500 square kilometres of land released and made available.
| To date, a cumulative total of 426 square kilometres of land have been released nationally and made available. This includes all Kandahar-specific land as reported in previous quarterly reports. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of people receiving mine awareness education in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 33,500 individuals were provided with mine-awareness education. | 200,000 individuals provided with mine-awareness education. | TARGET ACHIEVED: During the quarter, an additional 26,929 Kandaharis received |
Border Security and Dialogue
Context: Border security and dialogue are ultimately contingent on strong relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and on the resolution of some long-standing issues. Canada’s benchmarks for this priority include qualitative and quantitative progress indicators to assess the effectiveness of Afghan and Pakistani border management efforts, including bilateral cooperation. As the border is long, its terrain difficult and its infrastructure underdeveloped, obtaining baseline information and establishing targets are challenging. Canada has already begun to work with the Afghan and Pakistani governments to identify infrastructure, training and other needs. This information will be essential to refining Canada’s baselines and targets in the future.
Benchmark: Regular discussions on border issues.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased dialogue between Pakistani and Afghan officials through mechanisms including Canadian-sponsored workshops. | Three Canadian-sponsored workshops have been held to date. Key mechanisms for discussions were suspended by Afghanistan in July 2008 (August 2008). | Sustainable mechanisms for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues are in place and operating for senior officials. | An informal meeting of the Dubai Process policy steering committee was held this quarter and planning is underway for the next Dubai Process meeting. Progress continues on the implementation of the Dubai Process Action Plan. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased cooperation at Kandahar-Baluchistan border. | Regular Canadian-facilitated discussions at Kandahar-Baluchistan border are continuing. | Mechanisms at border in place for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues. | TARGET ACHIEVED: The Border Flag Meetings (BFMs) that were established under Canadian stewardship as mechanisms for regular discussion have evolved into a new border cooperation mechanism, the Border Coordination Centre. Several meetings across a broad array of issues took place this quarter. Canadian Forces are no longer responsible for the district that includes the Kandahar-Baluchistan border. |
Benchmark: Better managed border crossings on the Kandahar-Baluchistan border.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Training completed by border officials. | No training provided to date (August 2008). | A tailored training curriculum for new recruits in international customs procedures and a senior management development program for Afghan Customs will be developed by September 2009. NEW: 150-200 Afghan Customs officials and 3 or 4 Afghan Customs trainers trained by 2011. | TRAINING CURRICULUM TARGET ACHIEVED: Personnel from the Canada Border Services Agency are implementing the curriculum at the National Customs Academy, along with Afghan and international partners. During this quarter, the first 48 customs officials were trained. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Key infrastructure projects completed, including procurement of equipment. | Assessment of infrastructure needs not yet complete; some equipment purchases underway (August 2008). | Construction completed of a Joint District Coordination Centre (JDCC) in Spin Boldak. Infrastructure and equipment improvements completed at Weish border crossing in Kandahar, based on the results of a feasibility study to be completed in March 2009. | JDCC TARGET ACHIEVED: During this quarter, construction of the Joint District Coordination Centre was completed and the centre opened. Discussion and coordination with key partners continued on the design and development of the Weish border facility project. |
Democratic Development and National Institutions
Context: Given the nature of the first benchmark, measures will include quantitative data such as internationally recognized Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessments in addition to qualitative assessments of ministry-specific evaluation activities and public perception assessed through polling.
The Government of Afghanistan intends to hold two elections before 2011: a presidential election and provincial council elections in 2009, and the election of parliament and district councils in 2010.
Canada will actively contribute in this area but it is important to recall that Canada is one of many actors. The Afghan government is leading, with support from the international community.
Benchmark: Key Afghan government institutions able to plan, resource, manage and maintain the delivery of services including at the subnational level.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Provinces have established long-term provincial strategic plans that are aligned with Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) objectives. | Zero provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan (PSP) (March 2009). | All 34 provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan. Kandahar will have demonstrated progress in implementing its strategic plan against identified timelines. | PSP development is now in its final stages in two provinces (Herat and Balkh), and training on PSP development continues in the remaining four pilot provinces (Takhar, Laghman, Bamyan and Uruzgan). Kandahar continues preliminary steps toward the PSP development process. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Effective planning and budgeting mechanisms in place. | The difference between planned and actual government spending is 9.7% (April 2008). | The difference between planned and actual government spending should be less than or equal to 5%. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Better government monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to ensure transparency. | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3 (April 2008). | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3+. | PEFA results are produced only every two years. A PEFA assessment is planned for Afghanistan later in 2010. |
Benchmark: Afghanistan’s ability to manage upcoming elections.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of a national voter registry. | Pilot voter registration process carried out in three selected provinces (April 2008). | Update of registry completed in a four-phased approach, in advance of 2009 presidential elections: *The target was updated as the Government of Afghanistan’s plan for voter registration was finalized. | Nothing significant to report this quarter. Parliamentary elections are anticipated for September 2010. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of registered voters nationally. | Approximately 12.6 million voters in the existing registry (2005). | Two million new registrants added to the current registry in advance of the 2009 presidential and provincial council elections; 500,000 new registrants added to the 2009 registry in advance of the 2010 parliamentary and district council elections. | Nothing significant to report this quarter, given the conclusion of presidential and provincial council elections in November 2009. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of voter turnout. | 70% of registered voters participated in the last presidential elections; 51.5% of registered voters participated in the last parliamentary and provincial council elections. | 70% turnout for men; 40% turnout for women. These targets are consistent with figures currently being used by the UNDP ELECT project. | The Independent Elections Commission confirmed voter turnout during the 2009 presidential elections was 38.7% of eligible voters. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | An independent electoral complaints commission does not currently exist (August 2008). | Establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | In anticipation of the 2010 parliamentary elections, the Electoral Complaints Commission is operating. |
Political Reconciliation
Context: Ultimately, only the Afghan government has the authority to pursue political reconciliation; Canada and other international partners will play supporting roles. Progress indicators to measure this benchmark include the identification of Afghan institutions and officials responsible for moving reconciliation forward, as well as the establishment of a transparent and effective process for reconciling insurgents.
Afghanistan cannot secure peace or realize its governance and development objectives by military means alone. An Afghan-led, internationally supported reconciliation process can serve to foster sustainable peace.
Benchmark: The Government of Afghanistan increasingly able to promote reconciliation among Afghans.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government identifies the institutions and officials responsible for promoting Afghan reconciliation and a national reconciliation process is established. | A clear institutional focal point and process have yet to be identified (August 2008).
| A lead authority is moving the reconciliation process forward.
| There are no further results this quarter. The time frame for a national reconciliation strategy will depend on decisions to be taken by the new Afghan government. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government is better able to communicate with Afghans about reconciliation. | The Government of Afghanistan’s ability to share information about its programs, policies and objectives in a timely manner is limited (August 2008). | The Government of Afghanistan is actively sharing information, at the national, provincial and district levels, regarding its programs, policies and objectives for reconciliation. | Operating in Kabul and partly funded by Canada, the Afghanistan Government Media Information Centre continues to bridge the communication gap between government entities, media and the public. |
