ERC warns of delay in Parliamentary election if practical reforms not carry out

Afghanistan Election Reforms Commission (ERC) has warned that if the practical process of election reforms does not start, the provincial council and Parliamentary election would be delayed for another one year.

Recently, ERC has submitted a proposal package to the Executive Office for reforms in the current election system and the National Unity Government leaders reach an agreement to take practical steps for brining reforms in the current system; but they are concerns of refusing their proposals.

“The Spring of next year is a good opportunity to hold Provincial Councils and parliamentary elections and if reforms postpone the election will be delayed to the year 2016,” Sidiqullah Tawhidi, deputy of ERC said.

In the meantime, a number of Parliament representatives and Afghan political analysts emphasized on prompt reforms of the electoral system that the election to be held.

“As it seems, the electronic ID cards have not been distributed so far and the government will fail to hold the elections,” Khalil Ahmad Shahid Zada, representative of Herat province in Parliament said.

“Due to the negligence of the government and its leaders they will not be able to bring the necessary reforms in the electoral system,” Sakhi Munir, political analyst said.

Previously, the electoral observing institutions have voiced concern that lest national unity government leaders do not agree to the Commission’s proposal for electoral reform and the reforms process comes to a deadlock.