Electoral watchdog ready to receive complaints

KABUL): The Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) on Monday said people could lodge complaints against registered candidates for next year’s presidential and provincial council elections with effect from today (Oct. 7).

A day after expiry of the 21 days registration drive, IECC spokesman and member Nadir Mohseni told Pajhwok Afghan News that objections against candidates could be lodged with the panel right away.

According to IEC, 27 individuals have filed nomination papers for contesting the presidential elections and 2,370 others have been registered as candidates for the provincial council polls, both slated for April 5.

The IEC is expected to announce a preliminary list of approved candidates on Oct. 19 before handing their documents to the watchdog for vetting. A final list of candidates will be displayed on November 16 after completion of the vetting process.

Mohseni said due to some problems, the commission could not open its offices in some provinces, but said people could contact local IEC offices for obtaining forms to register complaints.

He said every Afghan was duty-bound to report irregularities or attempts at disrupting the election process and register their complaints against candidates.

ma/mud