In the latest report surfaced by Congressional Research Service (CRS), the US has underscored the promotion of effective and transparent governance, pushing for substantial election reforms to ensure the upcoming presidential poll shall not experience the fraud seen in 2009 and 2010 polls. In the last several elections held for presidency, parliament and provincial councils over the past decade, we have learned about range of structural flaws, logistical limitations and demographic changes which need to be updated and improved. Our infant dysfunctional democracy has to be institutionalized. For that, we need radical reforms, and electoral process is its fundamental to start with.
The electoral reforms should alleviate structural and administrative flaws in Independent Election Commission. Nomination of its chairman and members should be subjected to parliamentary approval. Parliament should also debate on other radical electoral reforms such as party laws and overhaul of Single Non-transferable Vote (SNTV).
President Karzai's tenure will end in May 2014, and constitution requires the polls to be held by the end of 2014. Heading towards challenging period of power transition ahead, radical electoral reforms stand vital, ascertaining President's impartiality to entire electoral processes beginning from election campaign, monitoring of polls to certification of results. An unbiased interim government should be set, by evolving broader consensus, having both government and oppositions, taken on board.
Formerly, Mr. President had turned-down the reforms mandating two foreigners be appointed by the United Nations to sit on the country's five-person Electoral Complaints Commission that handles accusations of electoral fraud. It is a significant stance to bridge the trust deficit between government and opposition. Keeping prior the greater national interest, President should revisit his ruling; otherwise public's confidence in Afghan elections and governance will continue to erode.
One of the constitutional requirements the incumbent administration has failed to implement is, elections for district councils and municipalities. The district mayors should be appointed on popular vote than being subjected to preferential treatment.
The reforms should also involve key elements, such as ensuring the independence of Afghan electoral bodies as well as transparency in how they conduct their work, promoting an electoral legal framework that supports effective participation by political and civic groups, and developing an accurate voter registry. This review could help reduce tensions among political entities, reinforce the legitimacy of Afghan governing institutions and guarantee that the will of the Afghan people is respected in future elections.
It will take years to achieve all requirements of an improved electoral process, beginning with formation of independent democratic institutions ensuring fair transition. The international community riddled with other issues and priorities in Afghanistan should not ignore institutionalization and strengthening the foundations of a democratic system.