KABUL - The Selection Committee for the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) on Sunday announced that, out of the roughly 300 applications it received, a number of National Assembly representatives and former Independent Election Commission (IEC) members applied for ECC membership.

Fazel Hadi Muslimyar, Senate Chairman, confirmed the reports and defended the political figures' right to seek ECC membership.

"This is the right of every Afghan; every eligible candidate can submit an application," said Mr. Muslimyar. He was quick to reassure that despite the influential positions of some of the applicants, nominees for ECC membership would only be selected on the basis of merit.

Mr. Muslimyar also pointed out that civil society institutions had not yet submitted an application to the Selection Committee, and would only begin until Monday to do so.

Muhammad Fahim Naeemi, spokesman of the Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA), said that, Nader Naderi, the founder and Chairman of FEFA, would not be representing the organization as a candidate for ECC membership despite being favored for the position amongst civil society groups previously.

"Due to personal differences with some members of FEFA, Mr. Naderi has decided not to run for the ECC membership," Naeemi reported. "Civil society institutions will introduce another member to the Selection Committee."

The Law on the Governing, Job Description and Functioning of the IEC states that the ECC is an independent institution and will work closely with the IEC. According to the Law, the ECC's decision on electoral complaints, violations and frauds would be final and binding. Additionally, the winner of the Presidential and Provincial Councils' elections can be announced only if the ECC approves the result.

The Law also mentions that the ECC will consist of five members, who would serve a term of six years each. The Chairman of the Commission would be replaced every three years. The person who gets majority votes from the members of this Commission would be appointed as the new Chairman.

Once the Selection Committee chooses 15 candidates to nominate from all the applications it received, President Hamid Karzai will appoint five of the nominees for ECC membership. (Tolo News)