The chairwoman of the Independent Election Commission, Hawa Alam Nuristani, on Wednesday, called on government and international donors to address their commitment in providing the budget of the upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for September 28.

The commission has estimated the budget at around $149 million.

Nuristani said the Presidential Palace has already approved the budget but has not transferred it to the election commission.  

“I call on the government and donor organizations to put into practice their commitments to us regarding the budget and approve it so that we are assured,” Nuristani said.

President Ashraf Ghani, meanwhile, stressed the need for timely elections as he addressed a ceremony in Kabul on Wednesday.

“There should be no doubt in holding the elections. It is our national job, it is our legal obligation and it is our ethical commitment,” Ghani said.