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| Afghanistan | |
| Afghan legislators approve new election law | |
| 2013-07-16 | |
Afghan legislators on Monday approved a law to govern next yearÂ’s presidential and provincial council elections, a key step toward conducting the polls. The law still needs to be signed by President Hamid Karzai. Another law regulating the responsibilities of the electoral management bodies was passed over the weekend, which also awaits KarzaiÂ’s signature. It was not known when Karzai would act.
“The law directly will go to the president for approval,” Rezayee said. “Both houses of the parliament gave their authorisation to the joint commission, and the commission decision is final and acceptable by both houses of the parliament.” If endorsed by Karzai, completion of the two laws would clear the way for the elections on April 5 next year. The electoral law defines the legal framework for the elections, while the structural measure governs the independent electoral commission and the appointment of its senior officials. Karzai, whose second five-year term ends next year, is not allowed by law to seek a third. The parliament has been debating the laws for several months. Their implementation is considered key for ensuring transparent and fair polls. After the approval of the structural law, the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan urged Karzai to quickly endorse and enact the legislation. Afghanistan’s international backers have said a smooth political transition during the presidential elections is necessary to ensure the country’s future stability once all foreign combat troops leave by the end of 2014. | |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 Karzai sucks, but wait 'til you see his replacement! |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2013-07-16 15:23 |