Afghanistan Times
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AT-KABUL: The Chairman of Independent Election Commission (IEC), Yousuf Nuristani, said that no one is authorized to dismiss commissioners of the electoral body. He urged the government to keep the IEC away from political games.
He said that parliamentary elections might be delayed by a year. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Nuristani said that no organization other than IEC is authorized to set schedule of elections. He said that postponement of parliamentary elections has political reasons.
“It is the duty of IEC to set schedule of elections and it is up to the government pave the ground for polls in the date that we announce,” he added.
He appreciated the international community for its support to the IEC. However, he said that it is the duty of the Afghan government to cover the costs of elections.
Nuristan gave it out that due to lack of sufficient budget, the government might further delay the parliamentary polls. He urged the government to take preparations for parliamentary elections—provide costs and ensure security during conduct of the polls.
The remarks come at a time that the international community has cut its support to the electoral bodies and has urged the government bring about reforms in the electoral system of the country.
While hinting at the newly formed Electoral Reforms Commission, Nuristan said that they are not concerned about formation of the commission, adding that they have even cooperated with the reforms body.
