Peaceful power handover in Afghan will protect gains: Kerry

The current elections could mark Afghanistan's first democratic transition of power

Days ahead of the crucial presidential elections in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said peaceful handover of power in the war ravaged country will help protect the gains made in the last 12 years.

"The peaceful handover of power will be just as important as the progress achieved over the past decade in building a stronger, more secure and prosperous Afghanistan. It will help protect the gains in security and development over the last 12 years," Kerry said in a statement.

"Above all, it will stand as a powerful legacy of those who have sacrificed so much, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, to make this election possible," he said adding that the US is ready to work with the next president, and looks forward to an enduring partnership.

Describing this as a pivotal moment after more than a decade of sacrifice and struggle, Kerry said when millions of Afghan men and women go to the polls on April 5 to choose a new President, it could mark Afghanistan's first democratic transition of power.

The United States has proudly supported Afghanistan's electoral and security institutions, he said.

"But make no mistake: this is Afghanistan's moment. These elections have been Afghan-owned from the start. The Afghan people have planned and prepared for this historic vote. The Afghan people are staffing and leading the electoral institutions. And the Afghan people are dedicated to protecting and advancing their own democracy," Kerry said.

The presidential elections in Afghanistan are scheduled to be held on April 8, for which eight candidate are in the fray.