KABUL - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is pleased to announce the signing, along with the Afghan Independent Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission, of the Project Document to support Afghanistan elections.

The Project Document was signed today in Kabul at the first meeting of the Project Board, providing the legal and financial framework allowing the UN and donors to support and strengthen Afghanistan’s electoral institutions and operations.

“There is a great need for all those concerned to redouble their efforts to implement reforms and conduct the necessary preparations to realize credible elections,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.

“Time is of the essence, and key decisions need to be made to ensure timely and credible elections,” stressed Pernille Kardel, who is the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and UNAMA’s political chief. “This is not just any project; it is about the stability of the country.”

The UN officials noted that critical decisions are urgently required for the electoral process to move forward, as is public outreach to build trust in the electoral institutions.

UNAMA has pledged the international community’s support as a partner throughout Afghanistan’s electoral preparation process.

Under Resolution 2344 (2017), the Security Council requested UNAMA to support Afghan authorities in the organization of elections, and to strengthen the integrity, sustainability and inclusiveness of the electoral process. Supporting strong and independent electoral management bodies will be a key feature of these efforts in the lead up to elections.

The Mission remains committed to working with Afghan institutions as they implement reforms to enhance transparency and build trust in Afghanistan’s democratic processes. UNAMA encourages Afghanistan’s political leaders and civil society to unite their efforts to prepare credible elections in 2018.