KABUL - Some lawmakers on Saturday renewed their call for announcing a date to hold parliamentary polls, saying the sitting parliament members could continue their work until new members were elected.

Under Article 83 of the Constitution, the parliament term ends after the disclosure of election results on the 1st of Saratan (22 June) of the 5th legislative year and the new parliament commences work.

The elections for members of the House of People shall take place 30 to 60 days prior to the expiration of the term of the House of People.

Based on the article, parliamentary polls should have been held by now, but the Independent Election Commission (IEC) had cited lack of funds for delaying the vote.

Shakiba Hashemi, a lawmaker from southern Kandahar province, said: “We have 15 legitimate days to continue as lawmakers and after that we cannot evaluate anything.”

She expressed her concerns that illegal acts would rise after the expiration of parliament’s term.

Hashemi urged the president to set dates for the parliamentary elections through a decree and extend the current parliament’s mandate.

But Nasrullah Sadeqi from central Daikundi province said: “Based on Article 83 the current term ends after announcement of the election results and introduction of new members.”

“Holding elections is not our job. The government and the elections commission are responsible to facilitate elections and specify a date,” he added.

Makhdum Mohammadi, an MP from Samangan province, said: “Until elections are held, the incumbent members can continue with their work.”

First deputy speaker Haji Zahir Qadir, who chaired today’s session, said the government and the election commission should firm up a date and should also explain to people as to why the delay had taken place. (Pajhwok)