KABUL - The top United Nations official in Afghanistan today called for better coordination and cooperation between Afghanistan’s independent electoral bodies — the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Independent Election Complaint Commission (IECC) — as clear and uniformed understanding of the rules and regulations provided in the Afghan laws would be essential for delivering good quality elections.

“It is in the hands of these two independent institutions, supported by the organs of the state, notably by the security institutions, to deliver good quality elections, and then the results would be accepted not only by the winner but also by those who will not win this contest,” said UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Ján Kubiš while addressing the oath taking ceremony of newly appointed IECC Provincial Commissioners.

Administered by the Chairman of the IECC, Abdul Satar Saadat, 102 IECC Provincial Commissioners took oath of office in Kabul today. Now, the Commissioners will go through an intense and comprehensive three-day training to get a better understanding of their new roles and responsibilities.

“Today is a very good day; today is the day when sovereign Afghanistan is making yet another step in shaping the fate and future of this beautiful country,” said Mr. Kubiš and added that he had “no doubt’ that Afghanistan had never before been better prepared for elections. “Despite challenges and its late establishment, the IECC delivered timely, transparent complaint adjudication of the candidate nomination process,” he said.

The UN Envoy said he was very encouraged to see men and women who had decided to help the country in this very historic moment and take an important responsibility to work as IECC Provincial Commissioners.

“It is very important that you act with integrity, honesty and transparency; you have the fate of your country in your hands,” said Mr. Kubiš while referring to the new Commissioners.

Afghanistan is currently going through preparations for holding of the Presidential and Provincial Council elections, slated for 5 April this year. Eleven candidates are running for the office of President while another 2,713 are in the contest for the Councils’ seats in 34 provinces of the country.

While Afghan institutions are fully in the lead in administering, adjudicating and securing the polls, the United Nations has been asked to support them in ensuring credible, inclusive and fair electoral processes. At the request of the Government, UNAMA also provides capacity-building and technical assistance to Afghan independent electoral bodies.

In today’s event, the UN Envoy reiterated the United Nations and international community’s support to the Afghan Government and the independent electoral institutions in delivering credible and transparent elections.

“This is important that all is done by the Afghans themselves,” said Mr. Kubiš adding “I am very proud that you, Afghans, deliver and shape the future of your country and we, as foreigners and as your friends, will help and support.”

The head of UNAMA asked Afghan national security institutions to ensure the best possible conditions that would enable the IEC and the IECC to work in the safe environment and allow for substantial participation in the elections both by men and women.

Addressing the oath-takers, IECC Chairman Abdul Satar Saadat asked them to remain impartial during the elections and perform their duties with honesty. While referring to the existing security related challenges and the lack of resources, he urged the Commissioners to be strong and resilient in confronting those challenges.

The Chairman of the IEC, Ahmed Yousaf Nuristani, who also participated in the oath ceremony today, assured the IECC and its Commissioners of his body’s full cooperation in preparing and conducting fair and transparent elections.

In his remarks, the UN Envoy said he was encouraged by IEC and IECC Chairmen's common message that while respecting each other's mandate and independency, IEC and IECC will work hand in hand to deliver elections.