The 2014 controversial presidential election augmented the need to reform Afghanistan’s electoral system. As promised, the National Unity Government was expected to undertake comprehensive electoral reforms, thereby avoiding the bitter experience of 2014. But when government leaders began to divide electoral commissions between themselves as other government positions in the name of reforms, an electoral crisis seemed imminent. Electoral watchdogs and civil society organizations voiced their concern over the issue, saying that electoral reforms should not remain limited to the replacement of election officials; they should include the revamp of the electoral system in a way that can ensure the transparency and fairness of elections. Though the National Unity Government delayed the parliamentary election for three years under the ploy of electoral reforms, the recent parliamentary election demonstrated that the country’s election system is still riddled with serious flaws that should be tackled.
Electoral reform has again become a heated debate following the registration of candidates for the July 2019 presidential poll. The Presidential Palace is seeking to modify the Electoral Law, and has therefore begun consultations with presidential runners and election watchdogs. The problem with the government leadership is that it consults with different sides on many issues, but never really implements them, a charge also echoed by representatives of some presidential hopefuls.
Electoral reform is a necessity and the government should not hold the process hostage. The amendment of Election Law and key decisions on electoral reform should be made in consultation and agreement with all election stakeholders. Dictatorial decisions and concentration on management reshuffle of electoral commissions other than the overhaul of electoral system can plunge the country into a new election crisis with catastrophic consequences for the country. Government leaders, especially the president must realize the danger and not try to steer the country towards a crisis by taking arbitrary actions. It behooves government leaders to reach a consensus with all election stakeholders by including them in the decision-making process of electoral reforms and modification of the Election Law.
