The democratic setup installed in 2004 in Afghanistan reaches to completion of its second term subsequent to Taliban’s despotic regime which was toppled in 2002. The two complete terms could not do away Afghans’ sufferings; nevertheless, a marvelous exercise of democracy was worth observing. Now the country moves towards challenging phase for following year’s presidential and provincial elections.
There are 27 nominations filed for presidential slot and 3000 for provincial slots, the IEC record reads. All the nominations being filed are examined by IEC at present which is about to end. Subsequent to thorough examination of filed nomination papers the Independent Election Commission (IEC) is said to have disqualified eight potential presidential election runners from the list, bringing down the total strength of the candidates running for the race to 19.
According to credible source in the IEC, those candidates are barred from contesting election include Dr. Zalmai Rasoul, Abdul Rahim Wardak, Hamidullah Qadiri, Sarwar Ahmadzai, Hashmat Ghani Ahmadzai, Noor Rahman Lewal, Nadir Shah Ahmadzai and Dr. Dawar Ahmad Nadir. Since the scrutiny process is underway, many more contestants might be subjected to disqualification provided they do not fulfill the requirements needed for the upcoming electoral race. According to information leaked, the incomplete or fake document served the basis for disqualification. In addition to genuine documents, Afghan electoral law also curtails dual nationals to run for election. As per country’s constitution, the presidential runner should have only Afghan citizenship. However the final list of contestants is yet to go public.
Subsequent to announcement of the final list, the Election Complaint Commission (ECC) would be tasked to hear and evaluate complaints of the people about the presidential and provincial nominees.
After the assessment of the complaints, the ECC would submit its list to the IEC, which would then announce the final list. According to the schedule of the election body, the final list of the candidates would be announced on November 16, 2013.
Campaigning for the elections is scheduled to start on February 2 and continue until March 31. The roughly two-month campaigning period is shorter than in past years, as mandated by the new Election Laws passed in July. The ECC has warned candidates to refrain from campaigning early, as it would be considered as a violation and could lead to their disqualification from running in the elections.
According to set rules the case of violation of the election codes would be referred to judicial bodies for investigation and mediation. Therefore the role of judiciary stands significant and any complains registered against electoral irregularities must be addressed fair-mindedly.
The conduction of free, fair, transparent & credible election renders a great challenge to Karzai government given the past experiences records mass rigging and fraudulence. The incumbent government must facilitate the IEC and the corresponding institutions to extend their cordial support whilst maintaining a high degree of impartiality itself.