KABUL (PAN): Satisfied with the preparations made so far, the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to support next year's presidential and provincial council elections.
At a meeting with Independent Election Commission (IEC) Chairman Dr. Ahmad Yusuf Nuristani on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative Ján Kubiš discussed preparations for the polls.
Encouraged by continued progress, the top UN diplomat called the approval of a legal framework, the appointment of election commissioners and initial assessments by security institutions key elements of a robust electoral architecture and environment for the conduct of credible polls.
Security would be central to ensuring inclusive elections and was one area requiring increased attention, Kubiš said, welcoming IEC’s endorsement of the UN electoral support project, ELECT II (Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow, second phase).
In a statement, the UNAMA chief said the creation of the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) was the next step with the presidential decree of 20 August directing its rapid establishment.
"The lack of a civil society representative during the selection process for the IEC - as stipulated by law - was disappointing," he noted, saying there was a chance to remedy it in the appointment of qualified and respected IECC members.
He reiterated Afghan-led and Afghan-managed elections were at the heart of a credible, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable political transition that was critical for future stability.
"UNAMA calls on all parties to constructively engage in efforts to ensure that the elections
are held according to the Constitution and the IEC’s timeline," the statement added.
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