KABUL - The Ministry of Justice on Saturday presented the draft of the Afghan elections law to the lawmakers. Speaking before the MPs, Justice Minister Habibullah Ghalib urged the lawmakers to consider national interests and the interests of the Afghan people in reviewing the law.

The controversial election law draft was recently approved by the Council of Ministers after several weeks of delay and discussions.

The new draft removes the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) and charges the Supreme Court with its responsibilities. The Parliament is expected to argue in favor of reinstating the ECC and keeping the two foreign observers on the seven-member body.

The Independent Election Commission is worried that the draft law might not be ratified early enough to allow time for voter registration and other processes to be completed before election day.

It has stated that unless the new law is approved soon, the 2014 elections might have to take place under the existing laws, whose flaws have led to widespread abuse in previous elections. (Tolo News)