Election commissions’ neutrality underlined

KABUL Network for Strengthening the Election Process on Thursday stressed the authorities’ neutrality and transparency of the April presidential and provincial council polls.

It also signed two agreements with Ministries of Haj and Women’s Affairs on raising public awareness about the importance of the elections and motivating people to participate in the process.

Kulsoom Sattarzoy, the organisation head, said the Ministry of Women’s Affairs would help them educate females on the elections. She viewed insecurity, corruption and weak rule of law as big challenges to the polls.

Sultanzoy added her organisation was ready to cooperate with the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and other relevant institutions in ensuring transparency of the democratic exercise.

Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs Muzhgan Mustafawi urged all state organs to cooperate with each other for conducting a transparent election. IEC and all civil society groups should encourage people to take part in the elections, she added.

Her ministry had devised a plan for women’s active participation in the election process and other political activities, she said. The strategy has been shared with IEC.  All women’s affair departments and 20 recreational parks would be available for panel.

Hajj Ministry Advisor Ghulamuddin Qalandari, who also attended the signing ceremony, said most of people did not know much about the elections. Based on one agreement, prayer leaders will motivate people to take part in the elections.

Civil society organisations presented a declaration on strengthening the election process. It asks the IEC and the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) to be neutral and prevent fraud in the process.

mds/mud

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