Delay in elections unjustifiable, says FEFA

KABUL (FEFA) on Tuesday said any delay in holding the upcoming elections “is unjustifiable”.

The electoral watchdog released a statement in response to the joint statement of a number of political parties about the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the commission’s response.

The FEFA said it had read both the statements and it believed delaying the election date was not justifiable.

Holding the Wolesi Jirga agenda, it said. To be prepared for next year’s presidential election, the IEC should try to hold the Wolesi Jirga elections on the pre-announced date or late 1397 winter.

FEFA said the commission should take measures so all people could participate in the polls without any discrimination.

The watchdog said all political parties and coalitions, civil society institutes, media and other political and social groups had the right to closely watch the election processes.

“The IEC is responsible to pave the ground for political parties and coalitions for direct observation of election affairs to help improve credibility of the election process and convince all sides,” the statement said.

FEFA said the IEC should not worry about budget and security because it was the responsibility of the government.

Three days back, a number of political parties demanded the right of observation to all election activities. They asked the IEC not to take any decision without consulting political parties.

The parties urged the commission that the upcoming elections should be held on its schedule time without any delay.

However, the IEC in response said it was ready to hold elections on schedule if the government provided the required budget on time.

mds/ma

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