Heading towards challenging times of power transition ahead, we need radical electoral reforms ratified. The parliament should amend the existing draft of Electoral Law, with Independent Election Commission given evident power to implement any undertaking that entails a free and fair election, kept on top working priority.

Fundamental amendments should be introduced into the Electoral Law to clarify parameters of government authorities regarding the opening of election campaign, monitoring of polls and certification of results. Nowhere on earth a sitting President ‘certifies’ results of Presidential elections.

The Electoral Law also needs further clarification on structure and administrative procedure of the Independent Election Commission and Election Complaints Commission. The presence of foreign observers must be ensured to check on any sort of manipulation of poll results.

There are serious question about the structure and administration of Independent Election Commission. Nomination of its chairman and members should be subject to parliamentary approval. Presidential nominations should be based on consultations with legislative, political parties and civil society. Members should have the authority to vote and elect their Chairman and Executive Body, rather than it being appointed by the Presidential office.

Independent Election Commission (IEC) Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel on Saturday urged parliament to approve an amended electoral law as soon as possible because any delay would negatively affect the poll process. The new amended electoral law contains several provisions that suit public interest yet deficient to be labeled a perfect one. The new law bars individuals having a criminal past to contest election and a commission planned to form a committee representing relevant departments to look into candidates.

Responding to a query, Amarkhel said polling stations were being set up in government departments like schools and health centers so that the vote was not influenced by a particular candidate.

He told the commission would not allow the workers who had public complaints against them in the previous polls to perform election duty in the 2014 presidential and 2015 parliamentary ballots.

Amidst massive stagnant cloud of despondency currently prevailing in our beloved country the 2014 poll, a transparent and legitimate, will prove to be a ray of hope for democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, lying ahead. A smooth transfer of power through free, fair and transparent elections must be ensured to avoid any crisis in 2014. This can only be done when a universally accepted electoral laws are made on consensus between government, opposition, civil society and key stake holders to reach to an agreed terms that could serve best our national interests.