KABUL - The Afghan government should conduct transparent elections, combat corruption and improve governance for continued international assistance, a NATO official said on Monday.

Kabul pledged at Kabul, Chicago and Tokyo Conferences to hold credible polls, fight graft and uphold the constitution and enforce the rule of law.

The Afghan government’s efforts to meet the commitments would allow the global fraternity to continue supporting the war-devastated nation in the years to come, the NATO civilian senior representative’s spokesman said.

Addressing a news conference in Kabul, Dominic Medley called the 2014 presidential elections.

a critical part of Afghanistan’s continued progress in smooth political transition.

Fair polls were a shared responsibility for a democratic society, he said, urging electoral institutions, the government, political parties, media, civil society and citizens to work together to ensure an outcome acceptable to all Afghans.

“The increasingly capable and confident Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are now taking the lead in providing security to nearly 90 percent of the Afghan population,” the spokesman told reporters.

He said the next important phase in the transition process -- when the ANSF would take the lead for providing security across Afghanistan -- would start soon. “And ISAF forces will continue to provide mentorship, advice and support to the ANSF until the end of 2014.”  (Pajhwok)