KABUL - Some members of the Meshrano Jirga -- or the upper house of the parliament -- on Tuesday voiced their concern at the security situation, fearing it could hamper transparent elections.

The security situation in the country was getting fragile day by day and might undermine credibility of next year’s presidential and provincial council elections, said Senator Hafiz Abdul Qayyum.

His colleague Maulvi Abdul Wahab Irfani suggested a better strategy should be drawn up for national security, especially during elections. “If the ongoing wave violence is no controlled, the next government will have no legitimacy.”

He asked both houses of the parliament, Wolesi Jirga and Senate, to mount pressure on the government to appoint efficient people to senior security positions.

Non-transparent elections might create a variety of challenges, pushing the country into a new crisis, warned 1st Deputy Chairman Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, who chaired the session.

The date for the conducting elections was not suitable, because roads to polling centers would be closed due to snowfall in many parts of the country on that season, he believed.

“In case the authorities want the elections to be delayed, a draft law should be sent to the parliament to let MPs take a decision,” he suggested.

But the Independent Election Commission (’IEC) spokesman promised the polls would be held on schedule – April 5, 2014. Security forces are ready to protect polling stations and staff, he concluded. (Pajhwok)