The members of the special electoral reform commission appointed by President Ashraf Ghani complain that the commission has only advisory role, having no authority to bring reform to the election system.
The deputy head of the commission Sediqullah Tawhidi stated on Wednesday that if necessary authorities are not given to the commission, reforming the election system will be "impossible."
"This is an advisory commission. When the suggestions are unlike to president's wish, they are rejected," Tawhidi said. "We can say this is a weak and advisory commission."
Electoral reform was one of the major points of agreement between President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah to form the unity government after the almost six-month lengthy presidential election which was allegedly marred by huge fraud.
The 15-member commission chaired by female lawmaker Shukria Barekzai was announced only hours before the departure of Ghani and Abdullah to the United States; however, the commission is yet to hold their maiden meeting, something the commentators link to the odds between the Afghan leaders.
According to the analysts, the government has set up a symbolic commission, and there is no strong will to reform the election system and the electoral bodies.
The government officials, however, still emphasize on their commitments, saying electoral reform was the main responsibility of the National Unity Government (NUG).
"Electoral reform is the main job and the national and legal responsibility of the government," second Vice President Sarwar Danish said while introducing the remaining 16 cabinet nominees to the parliament. "We hope to have transparent and fraud-free elections in the future."
But Mohammad Abdoh, the head of legal and judicial commission of the House of Representatives, told the Monday's session that the Independent Election Commission (IEC) officials have made secret dealings with some MPs in order to avoid amendments to election law, which they fear, could remove them from their positions.
In returns, the IEC officials have promised the lawmakers to ensure their victory in the coming parliamentary elections, according to Abdoh.
Sharif Amiri
Source: http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/18855-electoral-reform-commission...
