KABUL - The Head of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC), Fazel Ahmad Manawi, said on Wednesday that a transparent and free presidential election in 2014 would cost $80 million.
Speaking at a press conference, Manawi said, "Candidate and voter registration will begin by 1392 [March 2013]." He emphasized that no government authority or foreign authority can intervene in the election process or results and urged government, political parties and civil society members to cooperate.

Manawi added, "The upcoming presidential election will also provide the opportunity for Afghan forces to take responsibility for security during the election process and we will be able to hold the election on time."

The budget for the election will be transferred to the election commission through the Ministry of Finance, he added. The budgetary discussion is underway with international donors.
When the process of voter registration begins shortly, it will provide jobs for more than 45,000 Afghans. (Tolo News)