The new commissioners of the Independent Election Commission took oath on Wednesday starting working officially. In a ceremony at the President Palace, all the newly appointed commissioners, Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice and outgoing IEC Chief and commissioners attended the oath of inauguration.

They all pledged commitment to the constitution, rule of law and sincere service of their duties with neutrality. President Karzai in his speech once again warned foreigners against any influence or interference in the work of the Election Commission saying his government would not meddle in its independency. He hoped the new commissioners would remain to the expectations of the people of Afghanistan to conduct free, fair and transparent elections. The President also praised the tenure and services of the outgoing Chief and commissioners.

Former IEC Chief Fazal Ahmad Manawi is to be mentioned for particular commendation due to his commitment and sincere leadership of the Commission during a critical period when controversial Presidential and parliamentary elections not only became a thorn between the Karzai Administration and its international backers, but also a boiling issue of contention among the political circles of Kabul. He played important role during the parliamentary elections defying all pressures from inside and outside the government during the vote-recount process and cancellation of bogus ballots and fraud results. He served for six years.

While talking at the ceremony, he urged new commissioners to maintain independency of the IEC. He added, “I hope the institution (IEC) with its power moves forward. The IEC members should always work towards keeping the Commission's autonomy intact."
The nation expects new commissioners to meet their hopes and remain committed to stay neutral and defy all political pressures and tempting to conduct a free, fair and transparent presidential elections in April next year. They need to elect their Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Secretary as soon as possible so that no further time is wasted given the tight schedule for the polls.

Though there have been critical questions about the transparency of the nomination and selection process, but it has been a step in the right direction for timely conduction of the polls. The civil society recommendation seems to have been intentionally ignored and some people of the government’s choice made their way into the Commission. However, under media monitoring and independent observation by experts and outside observers, all actors must ensure transparency of the polls; particularly the Government, otherwise any manipulation would be our descent into chaos.