KABUL (SW): The Hezb-e-Islami Chief Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Saturday handed over his party’s proposals for fair and free elections to the Independent Election Commission (IEC).
Hekmatyar rejected all calls for interim set-up, changing of electoral commissioners and other demands as wastage of time and unwarranted considering the prevailing situation. The HI chief stressed the blood-stained previous experiences of reaching to power with force shall not be repeated, and the IEC shall ensure transparent elections.
Hekmatyar noted that despite some reservations about the structure and formation of the electoral commissions, he endorses its current set-up for timely elections. In its proposal, the HI has called for ensuring that all electorates get the fair chance of casting their votes across the country. It has also called for minimizing cost of elections, no foreign interference and has stressed upon all political parties to accept the results.
Najibullah Ahmadzai, the IEC Chief, acknowledged the HI proposals, and urged all political parties to share their written proposals for fair, free and transparent elections. He informed the evaluation of up to 7000 polling stations would complete this week, and voters’ list would be compiled.
The IEC called upon the government to take immediate and effective steps towards ensuring budget and security for the elections.
The parliamentary and district council elections are due to be held in July next year.
ENDS
