KABUL - We commend the Independent Election Commission (IEC), under the leadership of Professor Fazal Ahmad Manawi, for its achievement in implementing the Wolesi Jirga elections according to the electoral timetable, and in holding the election on 18 September 2010. Dari - Pashto

The IEC demonstrated significant improvements in the organizing of the elections. We recognize that these achievements were accomplished against a backdrop of immense security and logistical challenges.

The IEC has shown considerable strength and resolve in its decisions prior to polling day. The post-election days are equally critical: transporting the ballots and other sensitive materials to the central tally centre, the process of checking all materials to ensure that irregularities are detected and that votes are rigorously verified.

The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) also has an essential role to play in adjudicating individual complaints about the electoral process. Anybody who has evidence of electoral offences should bring their complaints to the ECC.

Afghanistan’s electoral institutions are now at a critical stage of fulfilling their duties under the law to finalise the Wolesi Jirga elections. The IEC and the ECC must be able to operate in a fully independent manner, free of interference. The independence of these institutions is crucial to the credibility of the completion of the electoral process.