The United Kingdom’s deputy ambassador to Kabul has called on officials to ensure there are no further delays in Afghanistan’s parliamentary and district council elections – which are scheduled for July 7 this year.
This comes at a time that ambiguities continue to surround the much-awaited process amid waves of criticism from election observers, critics and Afghan politicians.
Talking on the problems currently facing the elections, the UK’s deputy ambassador Richard Moon said his country, in cooperation with the international community, will provide the necessary assistance to Afghanistan in holding the elections on time.
The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan, as the country’s election management body, recently announced it would start the voter registration process in March.
Moon argues that convening the elections on time will help revive public trust in the Afghan government and the election process.
“We have to keep working at this, this is a lot of work to do together that parliamentary elections ready in time for this year, but it can be done and UK and international partners are very committed to this, as I know, the president, the chief executive officer and all of his senior officials and ministers. So we will get there, the future is so bright,” said Moon.
Meanwhile, amid increasing pressure, the office of Abdullah Abdullah, the CEO of the National Unity Government (NUG), has reiterated that the NUG was fully committed to providing the budget for the elections and ensuring security around the important national process.
“There is a solid commitment regarding the elections in the government leadership. Government will deliver on its commitment regarding the elections security and election budget,” said CEO deputy spokesman Omid Maisam.
However, critics are still skeptical about government’s ability to hold elections on time.
“My observation shows that in the face of negligence by government, it just wastes time, I don’t think that the elections will be held on time,” said political analyst Fatana Gailani.
In June last year, the IEC announced the election date for parliamentary and district council elections. But as the deadline looms, speculation has increased over whether this deadline will be met.
This also comes amid claims by the IEC that government is not responding to correspondence calling for action.
On Monday, the IEC’s financial and administrative deputy head Mazaaullah Dawlati said government is not responding to the commission’s official letters regarding the outline of electoral constituencies.
