2012 has been a year of immense political mobilization on grassroots and institutional level in Afghanistan. Apart from the quantum phase of security transition with dramatic challenges shaping the NATO exit strategy, there have been domestic political transformation in the country, which could have led us toward a better political evolution and permanent stability given the US and NATO COIN strategy had worked and militants significantly weakened.

There has been a robust political mobilization occurring. Starting with establishment of coalitions of like-minded groups and former allies, the political transition has so far evolved to give birth to a grand coalition of all major political parties, alliances and groups. A Cooperation Council of Political Parties and Coalitions has been established.

It includes 20 political parties and coalitions. Not only the Council has established a formal office with coordinating officials, but also a Charter of Democracy has been signed by all member parties. In their first ever press conference, leaders of the Council announced the charter and made calls for reform emphasizing that any delay in the Presidential election in 2014 can cause catastrophic consequences.

Interestingly, the Cooperation Council also includes parties that are part of the coalition in the Government. Its member parties include Right and Justice Party, Jamiat Islami, Mahaz-e-Milli Islami led by Pir Syed Ahmad Gilani, Hizb-e-Islami led by Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, Hizb-Wahdat-Islami-Afghanistan led by 2nd Vice President Karim Khalili, National Coalition of Dr. Abdullah, National Front led by Ahmad Zia Massoud that include Muhaqiq-led Hizb-e-Wahdat and Junbish, Afghan Millat Party led by Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi, Hizb-Mutahid-e-Milli of Noorul Haq Ulomi, National Solidarity Movement led by Pir Ishaq Gilani, Afghanistan Nawin led by Younas Qanooni, Iqtidar Milli of Syed Ali Kazemi, Hizb-e-Islami Mutahid Afghanistan Wahidullah Sabawoon and some other groups.

Details of the Cooperation Council's Charter of Democracy has not been issued, but major demands echoed in the press conference with leaders of most Council members present included calls for immediate reforms of the electoral law, Independent Election Commission, formal participation of political parties in parliamentary and Presidential elections, a merger of Single Non-transferable Vote (SNTV) and Proportion Representation System, and insurance for timely and transparent election in 2014.

Other demands particularly mentioned in the press statements include;
• Computerization of voter lists countrywide
• National population census and distribution of electronic national ID cards be completed prior to elections.
• As per the Constitution, elections of provincial and district councils, and municipalities must be held by IEC.
These calls have been making the rounds in media and among political circles with increasing unanimous support since last year.

As I have written previously on this page, it is high time that the Government starts taking the increasing calls of reform seriously rather than making designs to prolong power and grab hold beyond 2014. Fundamental amendments should be introduced into the Electoral Law to clarify parameters of Presidential authority regarding the opening of election campaign, monitoring of polls and certification of results.

Nowhere on earth a sitting President 'certifies' results of Presidential elections, except in our system. The Electoral Law also needs further clarification on structure and administrative procedure of the Independent Election Commission and Election Complaints Commission.

In 2009, parliament adopted a law calling for approval of IEC commissioners from parliament. It was rejected by President Karzai. The current commissioners' loyalty to the President is no secret.
The Electoral Law should clarify and provide for a transitional administration if polling cannot be conducted within the constitutional calendar. The incumbent President's term will end on May 22, 2014. Law must provide legal provisions for a caretaker administration. In last presidential election, when polls were postponed, President Karzai simply continued serving in office in contrary to the constitutional provisions. The current Administration has intentionally kept the law unclear on such circumstances.

The last six elections held for presidency, parliament and provincial councils over the past decade have revealed range of structural flaws, logistical limitations and demographic changes which need to be updated and improved. Our infant dysfunctional democracy has to be institutionalized. For that, we need radical reforms, and electoral process is its fundamental to start with.

The international community bogged with other issues and priorities in Afghanistan have ignored institutionalization and strengthening of the foundations of a democratic system. For instance, The "Annex II, Agreement on Provisional Arrangements in Afghanistan" of the Bonn Agreement signed in December, 2001 in Germany mentions that the UN should conduct census and develop voter registration, which never happened.

Lack of an accurate census database has slowed down the entire process. Work needs to be started on development of an advanced electoral database with voter registration through biometric ID. All of it can be possible when a census is conducted and biometric IDs issued throughout the country.

There are serious flaws in the structure and administration of Independent Election Commission. Nomination of its chairman and members should be subject to parliamentary approval. Presidential nominations should be based on consultations with legislative, political parties and civil society. Its members should have the authority to vote and elect their Chairman and Executive Body, rather than they being appointed by the President.
One of the constitutional requirements which the Karzai Administration has failed to implement is elections for district councils and municipality.

The Government should start it from now, on a phased schedule with most secure provinces first. President Karzai has been appointing his candidates of choice in the politics of patronage as district governors and mayors, while the constitution requires that these officials come on popular vote.