The United States Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass said Wednesday US expects all presidential candidates to respect “Afghan law”, illustrating whether it is concerning their political power or government funds.
“We have strong expectations as do all Afghans, I think, to see all of the candidates respecting Afghan law that prohibits government officials or people with access to government officials from using government resources to benefit their campaign,” Bass said.
“And we expect all the candidates, whether they are currently in government positions or not, to refrain from trying to use government resources, whether that’s money, whether that’s the power to appoint people, whether that’s simply going about their business in ways that is intended to benefit their campaign,” he exclaimed.
Meanwhile, the US Envoy noted the need for Independent Election Commission to keep public updated on process and preparation of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled on September 28.
“I’d note that it’s quite important that the electoral commission be communicating with the public about its activities,” he said. “So the Afghan public understand the preparations that are underway and that progress is being made to prepare for these important elections.
· 2019 Elections Budget Approved: IEC
Bass remarks come after the IEC announced the 2019 elections budget approved, estimating a total cost of $149 million, of which the Afghan government pays $90 million and the remaining $59 million will be paid by the international donors.
“Although the budget is an important step, there are many more steps the commission and the relevant ministries need to take to ensure elections occur when scheduled,” he concluded.
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