KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) acknowledges the timely appointments to the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC).

Great responsibility is vested in the Commissioners to ensure that the IECC acts as an impartial and independent electoral dispute resolution mechanism as prescribed by the law regulating the structure and responsibilities of Afghanistan's electoral management bodies.

These appointments represent an important next step in ensuring the preparations for the Presidential and Provincial Council elections on 5 April 2014. Rapid establishment of the IECC’s operational structure is now required as it prepares to adjudicate objections to candidate eligibility.

Donors and the international community stand ready to provide, at the IECC’s request, technical and financial assistance to support the complaints commission.