Date for much awaited elections announced

KABUL (SW): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) has finally announced dates for the long-due parliamentary and district council elections in the country.

Najibullah Ahmadzai, the IEC chief, announced on Thursday the elections would be held on July 07 next year. The IEC chief vowed to ensure fair, free and transparent elections, and vowed no one would be allowed to undermine its integrity. Elections for the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) and district councils are long due, but various reasons have been cited for the delay so far.

Also on Thursday, Shah Hussain Murtazwi, spokesman for the president, told a press conference here that the NUG is ready and willing to hold the elections.

He said all necessary preparations have been made in this regard. Murtazawi added the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has held meetings with the representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, and has urged them to take part, and ensure fair and transparent elections.

ENDS