SERC to submit second proposal package to Govt. up to next 3 months

The Special Electoral Reforms Commission (SERC) says that they will present the second proposal package to the leaders of National Unity Government (NUG) up to the next three months.

Deputy of the commission noted that the second package would be consisting of civil society and lawyers’ demands for fundamental reform of the electoral system.

“A part of package will be the adjustments and changes of the constitution as well,” Sidiqullah Tawhidi, deputy of SERC said.

Afghanistan’s electoral reform process has been bogged down for months. While the National Unity Government agreement called for the “immediate establishment” of an Electoral Reform Commission, it took the president months just to sign the necessary decree.

In the meantime, Afghanistan Free election Foundation says that participation of women and political parties is a good guarantee for the survival of the country which should not be overlooked in the package.

“Political parties can help the system’s performance and be a guarantee for continuation of government. Without having political structures it would be difficult for the government to advance its works,” Muhammad Naiem Ayoub Zada, chairman of Afghanistan Free Election Foundation said.

This comes as the head of Afghanistan Supporting Open Media is said to consider the role of civil societies and media outlets effective in institutionalization of a democracy culture and monitoring the electoral reforms.

The Special Electoral Reform Commission is in charge of reviewing the issues mentioned below neutrally, accurately, professionally and from all aspects [and] shall submit their proposals and recommendations through the CEO to the President for final decision:

Based on Article 64 of the Constitution and Part E of the NUG Political Agreement (signed on 19 September 2014) on the effectuation of electoral reform with the purpose of consolidating the electoral system, holding free, transparent and fair elections, strengthening democracy, increasing participation in and credibility of the state institutions and finally with the purpose of bringing fundamental reform to the country’s electoral system, promoting the rule of law and preventing electoral violation and fraud.