Afghanistan Times
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By Farhad Naibkhel-KABUL: The Selection Committee of Election Commissioners on Thursday said that after reviewing 722 applications it has shortlisted 36 candidates for the positions of electoral commissioners. The list has been submitted to President Ashraf Ghani who will finalize names of those fit for the positions.
Out of over 700 applicants, the selection committee has shortlisted 21 nominees for the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and 15 for the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC).
“The selection committee has struggled to select qualified figures through a transparent process,” said Head of the Selection Committee, Jawid Rashidi. He said the committee considered all standards and criteria during selection of nominees for the two electoral bodies.
Abdullah Shefahi, a member of the Selection Committee, said that work experience, related educational qualification, profession and required skills were the main standards and criteria for selection of the candidates.
He also rejected reports pertinent to any pressure over the committee during selection of nominees, adding that “the process was followed freely and fairly.”
Provincial and gender balances were also kept in view, he noted.
Maria Akrami, another member of the committee, said that the list of the candidates was submitted to the president. Out of 21 nominees, seven will be selected as commissioners for the Independent Election Commission (IEC). Out of 15 candidates, five will be selected for the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC).
Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA) has showed doubts over selection of the candidates.
Mobinullah Aymaq, in charge of TEFA, said the list of shortlisted nominees was not shared with the civil society while the committee also failed to address complaints of the rejected applicants.
