KABUL - The Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA), political parties and civil society on Wednesday floated suggestions to the government for ensuring transparency in polls.
The proposals came at a gathering in Kabul, attended by leaders of 50 political parties, FEFA and civil society organisations, the foundation's director said.
Ahmad Nadir Nadiri added the participants jointly made the suggestions in line with all international principles of free and fair polls. For orderly power transfer in accordance with the constitution, the current electoral system needed to be reformed, he explained.
The 15-chapter proposals asked the government to announce a specific election date and avoid the anomalies and difficulties seen in the voter registration process, during the last elections.
Issuance of identity cards to minors, multiple cards to one person and giving women's cards to their men were identified as main concerns. The participants called for the government to issue electronic identity cards before polls.
In addition to fixing a campaign spending limit, they sought a system that paved the way for a fair and healthy political among parties and individuals.
The Electoral Complaint Commission (ECC) be separated from Independent Election Commission ('IEC). The latter's powers be reviewed in light of the views given by civil society and political groups.
The participants demanded a mechanism that ensured the government's impartiality during electoral campaign and prosecution of those who violated of the relevant law.
Former spy chief, Amarullah Saleh who also took part in the meeting, told Pajhwok Afghan News the proposals had been floated by political parties and civil society members, representing the entire nation.
National sovereignty demands the suggestions be given due importance, according to Saleh, who hoped the situation would not come such a sorry pass as would raise questions about the election outcome.
Former Vice-President Ahmad Zia Massoud, who heads the Afghanistan National Front, transparent elections alone could resolve the country's problems.
The government would face a strong reaction from civil society and political parties if it committed fraud in the polls, he warned, voicing optimism that the democratic exercise would take place on schedule. (Pajhwok)