EWA stresses need for reforms in electoral system

KABUL (EWA) on Thursday urged the government to establish a commission for fundamental reforms to the electoral system.

The Wolesi Jirga — lower house of parliament — recently made amendments to the election law and referred them to President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani for approval.

A statement from EWA said the election body considered the amendment in contrast with Article 22 of the constitution and international standards.

If the amended electoral law is ratified by the president, it said, “we would see discrimination against other candidates regarding the equal use of their political rights in upcoming parliamentary elections.”

EWA asked the president to resend the law to Wolesi Jirga for a revision. Similarly, the president was urged to consult civil society groups on further enrichment of electoral laws.

On the one hand, it would restore people’s confidence in the election process and would help pave the way for conducting transparent polls on the other. 

pr/rm

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