The National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan, composed of 69 parties, organizations, and civil institutions, referring to the fundamental principles of democracy, international law, and the inalienable right of nations to determine their own destiny, strongly rejects the sham Loya Jirga organized by the illegitimate Taliban regime and considers it devoid of any legal, ethical, or national legitimacy.
The Assembly emphasizes the lack of public legitimacy of this gathering, considering it a clear violation of democratic principles, transparency, and fundamental human rights. It deems the outcomes of such an event unacceptable. A regime that lacks legitimacy itself cannot produce decisions with legal or moral authority. Holding such a Loya Jirga while the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens — including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to access information — are systematically suppressed by the Taliban regime cannot reflect the free will of the people. This act is nothing more than the imposition of the will of a particular group on the fate of an entire nation.
Furthermore, organizing a Loya Jirga without the genuine participation of political parties, civil institutions, and independent representatives of the people — while the majority of influential national figures are living in exile — is not only meaningless but also absurd and disgraceful.
Such a farcical display, conducted under the shadow of an authoritarian regime, holds no credibility among the people and will not be accepted by the international community.
The National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan firmly believes that the only way out of the current crisis is to hold free, fair, and transparent elections under the supervision of credible international organizations.
These elections must ensure the genuine participation of all segments of society in a safe and open environment so that the people’s elected representatives can reflect the nation’s will in determining the country’s future.
Instead of futile attempts to gain false legitimacy, the Taliban regime must respect the rightful demands of the Afghan people and announce its readiness to start an inclusive national dialogue. The real solution to the current crisis lies not in staging sham displays but in comprehensive national dialogue that can shape Afghanistan’s future based on the people’s will.
The Assembly calls upon all political, social, and civil forces to unite and emphasizes the necessity of forming a purposeful national movement to confront the Taliban’s illegitimate regime and establish a democratic system in Afghanistan.
We urgently call on the international community to support the legitimate demands of the Afghan people, to refrain from recognizing the outcomes of this sham Taliban event, and to stress the need for free and fair elections. Only a government rooted in the votes and free will of the people can have both domestic and international legitimacy.
Leadership Council of the National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan