KABUL - A key opposition alliance on Tuesday warned any irregularities in next year’s presidential elections would lead the country to a deep crisis. With the presidential and provincial council polls less than a year away, the government had taken no concrete measures to ensure transparency and inclusiveness, it alleged.

Free and fair elections, holding the key to Afghanistan’s democratic future, would lead to better security and the country’s development, said the 21-party coalition

But rigging and anomalies in the democratic exercise would push the country into a new round of instability, with consequences for the national economy, it said.

Earlier in the day, the alliance boycotted a consultative session at the Presidential Palace on the appointment of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) chief.

Abbas Nawyan, a member of the coalition, argued duties and powers of the IEC and the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) were yet to be ratified by the parliament.

Last year, he recalled, the opposition alliance had held a meeting with President Hamid Karzai on the procedure for the appointment of IEC and ECC commissioners.

“Regrettably enough, the president abolished the ECC based on a draft law approved by the Wolesi Jirga,” Nawayan explained, fearing the legislative move could lead to compromise on election transparency.

“The president hasn’t kept his promise on fair polls. Therefore, we boycott the session; we are sure Karzai won’t heed opposition parties’ advice,” he remarked.

In 2009, Karzai appointed Fazal Ahmad Manawi as IEC chief, whose contract would expire this month. Meanwhile,

UNAMA has announced its support for a transparent and inclusive election, insisting that the next IEC head should be acceptable to all sides. (Pajhwok)