Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF), has boldly asserted that the Taliban would be decisively defeated if Afghanistan were to hold free and fair elections. Speaking to media, Massoud dismissed claims of internal rifts among anti-Taliban factions, insisting that unity prevails. He outlined a roadmap for Afghanistan’s future: first, a transitional government representing all ethnic and political groups; second, the drafting of a new constitution that guarantees fundamental rights; and finally, nationwide elections under international supervision. Massoud’s stance reflects a broader hope among many Afghans and observers that democratic processes, rather than armed conflict, can restore legitimacy and stability. In my opinion, Massoud’s vision is compelling but faces immense practical hurdles. The Taliban currently controls the state apparatus and security forces, making free elections nearly impossible without external pressure or a negotiated power-sharing agreement. However, his call for a transitional government is a pragmatic first step—one that could potentially create a bridge between the Taliban’s de facto rule and a more inclusive political system. The key question remains whether the Taliban would ever agree to such terms, given their history of rejecting electoral legitimacy. Massoud’s words serve as a reminder that the fight for Afghanistan’s future is not only military but also deeply political, and that the Afghan people deserve a voice in their own governance.