FEFA proposes ‘basic principles’ for electoral reform

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA) on Wednesday provided a series of suggestions named ‘basic principles of electoral reform.’

The electoral watchdog officials said the principles had been devised and prepared with the help of an ‘electoral reform advocacy group’ comprised of representatives from political parties and civil society institutions

Mohammad Yousuf Rashid, FEFA executive director, made public their suggestions at a press conference here.

He said the principles would help bring about reforms to ensure transparent elections.

The proposals included ensuring security at election centres, making polling stations small, utilizing ability of government agencies in holding elections, recruitment of new workers, procurement of national resources and others.

Rashid said restoring public trust in elections should be a top priority of electoral bodies. The principles’ implementation could help prevent personal and partisan profits in the election, he said.

Other members of the watchdog also stressed early implementation of the principles.

Mazullah Dawlati, a member of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), said the IEC was committed to conducting transparent and satisfactory elections with the help of officials and people.

Shah Hussain Murtazawi, the presidential deputy spokesman, informed that there was consensus with regard to reforms in the country’s electoral system.

He said a lot of experience had been achieved from previous elections. He said his organization was ready for any kind of support in holding just and free elections.

sns/ma

Views: 1