Afghanistan’s Upcoming Elections Still Face Challenges: IEC

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) has labeled security, lack of budget and distribution of electronic ID cards the main challenges ahead of the upcoming parliamentary and provincial council elections.

Currently, all eyes are on the Afghan government as to whether or not it will be able to deliver on its promise of providing free and fair parliamentary and district elections scheduled for July 7, 2018.

“The three challenges; insecurity, lack of budget and electronic ID cards have been seriously affected the timing of holding the upcoming elections,” said Abdul Badi Sayad, IEC commissioner.

During the introduction ceremony of a new commissioner, the IEC officials have called on electoral partners to provide the election’s requirements on its specified time.

The newly-appointed commissioner, Sayed Hafizullah Hashemi said, “The election commission is now in a tight situation that should take positive steps for transparency, trust building and accountability.”

However, the electoral observing and monitoring institutions do not believe that the upcoming election will be held in its specific time.

“The elections will not be held in its specific time. But if they honestly works, they can prevent some delays,” said Naeem Ayoub Zada, head of the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA).

As the parliamentary elections approach and the country undergoes a difficult time in terms of stability and legitimacy, the Afghan government and international community need to consider the most feasible reforms. Otherwise, the July 7, 2018 parliamentary election originally scheduled for October 15, 2016 will further loosen the already shaky pillars of the government.