The Independent Election Commission (IEC) says upcoming presidential election can be delayed, as no one on the third day of the candidate registration showed up at the commission to officially register for running for presidency.
Rafiullah Bedar, a member of the commission, told BBC Pashto Service that more time is required for better preparation and reforms before the voting.
The idea of a possible delay in presidential polls was reportedly first floated by the US special envoy for Afghan peace, Zalmai Khalilzad, for peace talks with the Taliban. Later, the presidential palace or Arg and Khalilzad denied the idea as the later hoped to reach an agreement with the Taliban militants before April. Then IEC announced election timetable, and even officially launched candidate registration.
But Bedar now says that consultations on possible delay have already begun.
“We are discussing the issue with political parties, watchdogs, civil society and government that provide budget and security for the process,” said Bedar.
He says if the electoral body reaches an agreement with election stakeholders that election is not possible on April 20, the timing will be changed.
According to information, IEC chairman and other commissioners have discussed the issue with Hezb-e-Isalami leader, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Ustad Sayyaf, Kareem Khalili and Atta Mohammad Noor.
Bedar says lessons have been learned from the shortcomings in October 20 parliamentary election, and reforms will be brought according to the lessons.
He, for example, pointed to problems in voters list, promising that new voter lists will be issued based on new information.
The commissioner also said that the use of biometric devices was a new experience and updated software had to be installed on the electronic pieces.
Some IEC provincial offices are being run by caretakers, Bedar said, adding that reforms are needed in that regard.
“Training programs for temporary employees for the election day and public awareness have to be long enough, which all take time,” said Bedar.
He claims that international community believes that these reforms and changes take time and election is not possible with IEC’s current capacity and technical ability.
He also said that no side has so far promised the commission to provide financial resources for the polls.
This comes as 39 individuals have so far obtained presidential election-related information bundles, but no one, according to IEC, has registered his/her candidacy on the third day of candidate registration until Monday.
Deputy IEC spokesman Mohammad Haqparast said the distribution of presidential election information bundles to presidential hopefuls started on Wednesday and 39 people have received the bundles so far.
He hoped that some individuals who have obtained the bundles might come and register themselves as candidates in the coming days.
