Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Coalition By Political Parties Favorable for Election: IEC

Coalition By Political Parties Favorable for Election: IEC

KABUL - The Afghan Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Monday called for the creation of a 'coalition' by the political parties and said that it will be favorable for the upcoming 2014 Presidential elections.

Officials of the IEC said that conducting the Presidential election on time is indispensable and no reason can delay or prevent it from happening.

"Creation of a coalition by political parties is favorable for the elections and holding the Presidential election on time is indispensable and no reason can delay or prevent it from happening," IEC Spokesman Noor Mohammad Noor told TOLOnews.

Until now, 40,000 Afghans have received their election voter card, which includes 10,000 women, according to officials.

It is expected that with a massive participation of Afghans in the upcoming Presidential elections, democracy in Afghanistan will scale new heights.

Over and above the steps that have been taken to prevent election frauds, an increased participation of citizens in the election process is being considered as one of the basic pillars to legitimize the upcoming elections.

Recently, Afghanistan's two neighbors- Iran and Pakistan conducted elections and despite the numerous challenges, participation of their citizens in the elections were unprecedented.

"Afghanistan can make use of two models, one of 'secure' Iran and the other of 'insecure' Pakistan. Elections should be conducted in all parts of Afghanistan including the insecure parts in an organized and transparent manner," Ajmal Baloochzada civil society activist told TOLOnews.

Although, campaigning by the candidates for the elections have not begun formally but talks about coalitions and activities of political parties and political figures for the upcoming elections have started.

On Saturday, the former US Ambassador to the UN Zalmay Khalilzad said that he has been discussing with the Afghan leaders over a national consensus before the 2014 Presidential election, but adding that no consensus can be an alternative to the vote.

Speaking to TOLOnews in Kabul, he said that it was better if the Afghan political elites agree on a few candidates and on a national agenda.

"We have tried to establish a national team to take the power through election and we do not want to replace election with a national consensus process. Elections are a vital necessity," Mr. Khalilzad added.

Afghanistan is holding a crucial Presidential election in April 2014 and debates on this political transition is rapidly taking shape. (Tolo News)