Security central to inclusive elections: Kubiš

KABUL): Satisfied with the preparations made so far, the United Nations has reaffirmed  its commitment to support next year’s presidential  and provincial council elections.

At a meeting with Independent Election  Commission (IEC) Chairman Dr. Ahmad Yusuf Nuristani on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Ján  Kubiš discussed preparations  for the polls.

Encouraged by continued progress, the top UN diplomat called the approval of a legal framework, the appointment of election commissioners and initial assessments by security institutions key  elements  of  a  robust  electoral  architecture  and environment  for the conduct of credible polls.

Security would be central to ensuring inclusive elections and was one area requiring increased attention, Kubiš  said, welcoming IEC’s  endorsement  of the UN electoral support project, ELECT II (Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for  Tomorrow,  second phase).

In a statement, the UNAMA chief said the creation  of the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) was the  next step with the presidential decree of 20 August directing its rapid  establishment.

“The lack of a civil society representative during the selection  process  for the IEC – as stipulated by law – was disappointing,” he noted, saying  there was a  chance  to  remedy  it in the appointment of qualified and respected IECC members.

He reiterated Afghan-led  and  Afghan-managed elections  were at the heart of a credible, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable political transition that was critical for future stability.

“UNAMA calls on all parties  to  constructively  engage in efforts to ensure that the elections
are held according to the Constitution and the IEC’s timeline,” the statement added.

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