Bringing electoral reforms just a dream

A number of electoral observing institutions said that expecting the National Unity Government (NUG) to bring reforms in electoral system is just a dream.

The institutions declared that the government has no desire to bring reforms in electoral bodies and this cause the country faces more crisis than the last presidential election.

The Electoral Reform is considered a crucial need of Afghans subsequent electoral distaste emerged after the former presidential election.

Nonetheless, the different position owned by the leaders of National Unity Government (NUG) is said to be the main reason for the delay. Parliamentary elections are a very difficult challenge –given there are not set electoral rules –complicates the state of affairs.

Without due electoral reform the conduction of parliamentary elections will be a difficult and challenging task.

The observing institutions claimed that the process of reforming the electoral system is deliberately delays by the President Ghani and chief of executive officer, Abdullah Abdullah.

Afghanistan requires a legitimate and functioning government committed to implementing a comprehensive program of reform to empower the Afghan constitution, thereby making the values of the Constitution a daily reality for the people of Afghanistan.

Stability of the country is strengthened by a genuine political partnership between the President and the CEO, under the authority of the President.

Electoral reforms are also a major part of the agreement between then presidential candidates Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah after last year’s disputed presidential election.

It was the September 2014 agreement, the twin head of state and government agreed electoral reforms to ensure that future elections are credible.

Without making needed reforms the unity government would exercise extra-constitutional authority until electoral reforms are made before conducting parliamentary and district council polls.

“Unfortunately, the process of reforming the electoral system is not on the priority of NUG and becomes the latest show of the day,” Yousuf Rashid said.

Many local and international election advocates have repeatedly raised their concerns saying the government is less interested in reforms –a conflicting approach to reform in this sector is the underlying evidence to the aforesaid issue.

It is not the members of civil society who raises concern over delay of reforms –the members of Wolesi Jirga too expressed concerns over the delay in electoral reforms, urging the two leaders to set aside their differences in the larger interest of the country.

Wolesi Jirga members are said to believe that failure in commitments by NUG leaders made Afghan people to not trust on government and losing public trust means the end of government.

“The government has been unable to set up unique programs for reforms and there is no consensus among them,” Abdul Qayoum Sajadi, representative of Ghazni in Parliament said.

It is witnessed when everyone is talking about electoral reform; the internal strife really transform into a struggle for control of the electoral bodies and, ultimately, the design to turn the outcome of upcoming elections as par expectation.

This is not the only conflict emerging on finalization of head of reform commission, history recorded clash of interest on account distribution of important ministries between the variant stake-holders.

The ministry of defense and important department till date await a legitimate office bearer that could facilitate improving the notorious condition of law and order in the country.

Beleaguered amongst controversy the issues of national interest pushed to background –there are certain diplomatic issues are too lingering their fates.

The special electoral reforms commission formed nearly five months ago under international community’s pressure. But the commission had no practical conference.