|
|
|
|
| Poll delay draws mixed reaction |
| By: Abasin Zaheer , Date: 27/01/2010 |
|
| KABUL (PAN): While some lawmakers favour the Independent Election Commission's decision of postponing the parliamentary polls, others are averse to the IEC move.
The IEC announced on Sunday that the parliamentary election, initially scheduled for May 22, had been postponed until September18 for lack of funds and a lukewarm response from the donors expected to fund the cost.
IEC Commissioner Fazal Ahmed Manawi attributed the four-month postponement to problems and constraints in arranging the requisite budget, security concerns, logistical obstacles and work to improve electoral procedures.
Fozia Kofi, representing northern Badakhshan province in the lower house of parliament, says the postponement is against the Constitution. Under the Constitution, the parliament's term comes to an end in June and fresh elections should be held in a month or two.
Kofi added if the parliament had been in session, she would have registered her protest. With a full new cabinet yet to be approved, the legislators are currently on a winter break.
Another MP from Kabul, Najiba Sharif, called the IEC a dependent organisation, saying the body made all its decisions based on dictates from foreigners and President Hamid Karzai.
She denounced the election delay, terming it an unconstitutional measure. Sharif opined as long as fundamental changes were not brought to the panel, violations of law would continue to take place.
But Abdul Qadir Imami, representing Ghor province, said the decision was right considering the unsatisfactory security environment, lack of funds and inclement weather. "In such a situation, Afghans in many areas are unable to exercise their right to vote."
He added: "If people in some parts of the country fail to participate in the election, it would bring under question the legitimacy of the democratic exercise," he reasoned. He said the electoral law allowed the IEC to postpone the polls on the grounds of security and financial problems.
Moeenuddin Marastial, Wolesi Jirga member from Kunduz province, said though the IEC decision was against the Constitution, yet it was right. He said the experience of last several years showed holding election in spring was not right.
"Holding the general election during spring is not possible. I'm personally against the IEC decision, but at the same time, I believe it is a right move," observed Marastial.
A representative from Kandahar, Khalid Pakhtun, characterised the delay both bad and good. He said the decision was good in the sense insecurity was rampant in most parts of the country.
ma/mud |
|
|
|
