Increasing Concern about the Transparency of Election
Concern about transparency and fairness of the parliamentary election increases as the important date gets closer. The quality of public participation is still unclear. The technical and security condition on the ground indicates that public zeal recedes as the government fails to ensure a full-scale protection for the public vote and attendance. In the recent days, there have emerged several issues beside security that can challenge the perspective of a qualified democratic election. The closure of 940 polling stations in relatively secure and peaceful provinces of Afghanistan has intensified public despair. Officials in the Election Commission have argued that security had been the principle reason behind the decision, but the ground reality is clearly contrary to that claim. Majority of these polling stations are located in central parts of the country where no terrorist activities have been recorded in the last years.
The Commission’s unjustified decision is a blatant violation of Afghanistan’s constitution that envisions political freedom and supports democracy as the country’s leadership guideline. Given Afghanistan’s landlocked nature and inaccessible connecting roads, the closure of polling station will prevent a big portion of voters from exercising their democratic mandate. The Election Commission’s officials have failed to present a convincing response to public minds; even the Commission’s Chief had a poor reasoning and appearance in the house of elders.
The unbalanced distribution of voting papers is another challenge to question of justice and objective participation of voters. Some of the current parliamentarians have already complained that the government failed to deliver election materials in equitable level in remote areas. According to figures from the election commission, around 18 million election tickets have been distributed and eligible voters may fall short to that number. Officials in the Election Commission have insisted that distribution of too many voting cards in the presidential source was a corruption-generating source. Therefore, the tickets and polling stations are kept limited this time to prevent manipulation. Afghanistan experienced a painful presidential election which was about to derail the country’s fragile national process. It seems that the same tragedy will also overshadow the parliamentary race
The interference of government officials in the election is a real challenge. It is not only the candidates or opposition individuals and parties that have expressed concern, but also the government itself. The Commission’s Chief had told Afghan media that he and his agency are deeply concerned about the possible interference of local officials in support of particular individuals and candidates. He said that he had talked to the President twice to convey his apprehension.
The government’s precautionary measures to block the officials’ interference are not convincing. Part of the measure asks Afghan cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, general directors, chief of independent departments and commissions, governors, mayors, police chiefs whose close family members are running for the election to pledge in writing not to use their authority for their relatives. Without having a concrete preventive system, it is simplistic to hope that a written commitment will prevent these officials from interference. Moreover, the rule of law and commitment to law has not been institutionalized in Afghanistan. When officials in charge of enforcing law are violating it, one cannot expect them to respect law because of a simple written promise. In the absence of a strict punishment system, government officials will misuse their authority believing that there is a system of impunity and protection against justice. There are also serious questions about the Commission’s human resource structure and employment of controversial figures. There are rumors that individuals accused of corruption and fraudulence in the presidential election are reinstated again.
In combination with the commission’s technical deficiencies and security, the government’s ill-intension is an increasing challenge. The government-sponsored Election Commission and Election Complaints Commissions have removed the names of some candidates for various reasons. There is speculation that this process is directly supported by the government to prevent independent figures from entering the future parliament. Initially, the people of Afghanistan were supporting the government’s policies to face warlords and outlawed individuals, the support decreased when the process was not properly conducted.
Hamid Karzai and his political cronies are working hard to have majority in the future parliament to change the constitution and remove the two-term limit for the presidency.
Spokesmen for Afghan government have dismissed this speculation but some credible international sources and foreign diplomats have confirmed that the option is open for Afghan president. Hamid Karzai’s political background indicates that he is extremely fond of power and likes to perpetuate his rein through every means. Afghanistan is in a painful situation now. Not only security has deteriorated but also public integration has badly shattered and the government’s key institutions are diverted from pursuing their founding professional objectives. The destiny of upcoming election defines the country’s future and concern about its transparency is a serious question for Afghanistan. When the Election Commission’s Chief confirms that he is not sure about security of people’s vote, one has to believe that the election will be a sole political showcase to appease international opinion that Afghanistan is embracing democracy.
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