KABUL (SW) – The Independent Election Commission has expressed its reaction to the government’s proposed changes in the electoral laws.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the IEC warned the changes in the electoral laws proposed by the government led by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah – both of whom are candidates for the presidential polls – can cause serious problems in the country.
The statement lamented there has been no representation from the IEC in meetings at the Presidential palace over proposed amendments in the electoral laws. It dubbed these proposed changes as a pretext to delay the forthcoming presidential polls.
The IEC announced it has referred to the Attorney General Office, the Oversight Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution, and other relevant entities for consultation.
The Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan also expressed its concerns in regard to these proposed amendments. Head of the TEFA, Naeem Ayubzada, told a presser that such ‘political reforms’ cannot ensure transparency.
Commenting on this, Shah Hussain Murtazawi, deputy spokesman for the President, said these amendments to the electoral laws have been drafted following some 20 consultative sessions with the candidates, political parties and civil society organizations. He said most of the changes are in line with the suggestions of the electoral watchdogs.
ENDS
