IEC Rejects Reports of Possible Delay in Election

The Afghanistan Independent Election Commission (IEC) rejected reports of possible delay for parliamentary and district council elections in the next solar year. Earlier Imam Mohammad Warimach, head of IEC secretariat, told media that if discussions on digitisation and use of new technology in the election is not finalised soon, election will not be held in the next solar year. Gula Jan Abdul Badih Sayad, spokesman of IEC, told Killid that they hope to reach an agreement with the companies providing technology services soon. He added that if the agreement is not reached by then, they will hold election through electronic ID cards, usage of biometric system or distribution of new voting cards. The term of the Wolesi Jirga (lower house of parliament) was extended by presidential decree. The decree issued in July last year stated that members will continue as people’s representative until the holding of election and appointment of new representatives.