21 July 2009 - The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) has disqualified two provincial council candidates from the provincial and presidential elections to be held on 20 August 2009.

Grant Kippen, ECC Chairman, told a news conference in Kabul that the candidates were barred from contesting for "failing to resign from a government position while standing as a candidate."

One of them, Marhaba Karimi, a female provincial candidate from Kunar, continued to remain as Director of Kunar's office at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, in violation of Article 15 (1) of the Electoral Law. Abdul Quduz Zuri, the other candidate, from Nimroz, who was disqualified, also failed to relinquish his job in the Ministry of Interior.

"We had documents from their employers that indicated they were still working. We had conclusive proof that they did not resign," added Kippen.

The ECC also announced they have received a total of 148 complaints so far - 46 of which were filed in relation to the presidential race. "We have adjudicated over 40 of these 148 complaints. The remaining are under investigation.
As soon as we gather more information about the other complaints and get the candidates’ responses, we will have a decision," said Fahim Hakeem, ECC Commissioner.

Responding to a question on whether there were complaints against the IEC or its members for being biased toward certain candidates, Kippen replied: "We are investigating these complaints, but cannot give details at this time. However, regardless of any individual or organisation, we are providing an opportunity for them to give a response."

Today's announcement is part of the ECC's ongoing efforts to ensure that Afghanistan's electoral laws are properly followed, so that all Afghans going to the polls -- in four weeks time -- have confidence in the process.

In addition to disqualifying two candidates, the ECC also fined an individual "for attacking the dignity of a presidential candidate" on a television programme.

By Aditya Mehta, UNAMA

Websites:

Electoral Complaints Commission

Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan

Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission