The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) on Sunday said that the turbulence in the security sector and lack of budget are two core issues that could create serious challenges ahead of elections. 

Wasima Badghisi, IEC operational deputy chief said the election management body has taken all necessary arrangements to ensure elections are held as per scheduled. The original date was July 7 this year but this has been moved to October 21 (29 Meezan 1397). 

According to Badghisi, the Afghan government so far has not provided solid assurances about delivering on its promises regarding security for the election. 

“We are completely prepared on the operational and technical sides to conduct the elections in Meezan (October), but until now the government has not given assurances about security for the elections; the security institutions so far have not responded to our assessments about the polling centers. The ministry of interior, the ministry of defense and directorate of national security must respond to us,” said Badghisi 

Basic election material needed for the voter registration process is available and the material will be sent to provinces next week, said the IEC. 

Based on the electoral calendar, candidates will be able to file their nomination papers on first of Jawza (22 May). 

Bringing about reforms in the commission is one key responsibility of the IEC members. In line with this, Badghisi said that at least 14 provincial IEC heads have been in their positions for 14 years and will have to reapply for their positions and that other candidates can also apply.    

“All posts will be announced in line with the reform policy. They (incumbent provincial chiefs) oppose this; they came to Kabul and consulted with various institutions to retain their posts, but the posts have been announced and they have accepted this reform process; nine of them have sent in their applications,” added Badghisi.

A number of election monitoring groups have cast doubts over the ability of the IEC to conduct credible polls. 

“The government does not have the will for elections and reforms, the election commission has also not completed their responsibilities,” said former IEC chief Fazel Ahmad Manavi.

The IEC has however, finalized 7,300 polling stations for the next elections. But reports say that there are high security threats against 32 districts. 

The IEC has estimated the budget for the elections to be between $70 million USD and $90 million USD and that the bulk of the money will be covered by the international community.