Afghan Electoral Reform Commission on Sunday presented its reform proposal to government.
The package included 11 major recommendations including invalidation of existing voter cards, launch of e-ID cards and ‘parallel’ system of voting where one-third of parliamentary seats shall be allotted to political parties.
Shah Sultan Akifi, ERC’s chief, also said that the package included recommendations over appointments in the Independent Election Commission and Electoral Complaints Commission.
Afghanistan faced major crisis during last presidential elections that was marred by accusations of mass fraud. ERC was established over a month ago with long delay that was apparently caused by disagreement between unity government leaders.
Other recommendations in the package included turning current electoral zones into smaller zone and preparation of voters list based on identity cards.
“The package has been prepared also after consultation with around 2,000 citizens in different parts of the country,” said Akifi.
On appointments in IEC and ERC, the commission proposed that there should be seven members in IEC – three for five years and four for three years – and five members in ECC – two for five years and three for three years- .
Meanwhile, a special committee was recommended to address major electoral complaints and to which members of both IEC and ECC will be accountable.
To reduce costs of the elections, ERC recommended that government employees and teachers should be employed for the Election Day rather than making new recruitments, which was at around 100,000 temporary workers in last elections.
Akifi said this would not only help reduce costs but also helps in accountability as the expected workers have address.
Also, a parliamentary seat was proposed for the Hindu religious minority.
Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who received the package appreciated the commission’s efforts vowing that the reform package “will receive serious attention.” He also hoped that the e-ID cards would be launched soon.
Calling for the proposal’s implementation, Tadamichi Yamamato, the only U.N. representative in the 12-member ERC, hoped the proposal would strengthen public confidence in voting process.
