KABUL - Implementing amendments to Afghanistan's election laws, redefining the job descriptions of the election management bodies and evaluating the structures and capacities of the electoral commissions are the top priorities of the newly formed electoral reform commission, according to Shah Sultan Akifi, the recently appointed chair of the reform commission.

"The commission will be inaugurated soon by the president or one of his VPs or the chief executive," Akifi said on Monday. "However, I do not support more formalities in this regard; rather, I want the practical work to be started as soon as possible," he added, seemingly looking to distance himself from the months of delays that sullied the public image of the reform commission before he was named its chair.

Based on the design for the reform commission agreed upon by President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, the electoral reform commission will offer its recommendations and the outcomes of its assessments to the national unity government. The timeframe of parliamentary elections will not be under the commission's purview.

Despite Abdullah's disagreements with Ghani over the formation of the reform commission initially, the Office of the Chief Executive has released a statement commending the commission and calling it a balanced body. However, hinting at continued differences over the matter of electoral reform, the statement reiterates that Abdullah wishes to see those accused of fraud during the 2014 presidential election step down.

"The structure of the commission is balanced and an equal body," CEO spokesman Mujiburrahman Rahimi said. "We want members of the commission to accomplish their national duty with honesty and faith and lay down the foundation of a transparent electoral system. They should think nationally, not on behalf of a group or faction."

But, in addition, Rahimi said, "there is a national and international consensus on the issue: those involved in electoral fraud or helped organized it must step down." It is unclear where President Ghani stands on this issue, but given the discord that enveloped the 2014 election over the issue of fraud allegations, it is not likely to be an easy process to pursue.

Abiding by the Constitution of Afghanistan, maintaining justice and transparency, being neutral, conducting work with professionalism, offering plans and recommendations, evaluating and studying the documents pertaining to the election laws, evaluating regulations and procedures, assessing the structures and capacities of the electoral institutions, finding resolutions and making proper policies for the establishment of a transparent and sustainable electoral system are the chartered responsibilities of Akifi's reform commission.

The reform commission is expected to complete its work within three months and offer its recommendations within two months after that. If necessary, however, the president maintains the authority to extend the job of the commission.

In total, the reform commission includes fourteen members, including a representative from the United Nations. (Tolo News)