KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomes the establishment by the National Unity Government of the Electoral System Reform Commission, under the chairmanship of Mr. Sultan Shah Akefi.

“This is an important step,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. “We look forward to a credible, inclusive and transparent electoral reform process. UNAMA encourages the Afghan authorities to make the necessary decisions on the electoral calendar for the next parliamentary and other polls.”

UNAMA also acknowledges the nomination of Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, to the Commission. The United Nations will not be a voting-member of the Commission. Its role will be to provide advice and technical expertise based on international best practices, while respecting the sovereign right of Afghanistan to make the final decisions on electoral reforms.

Mr. Yamamoto is the United Nations’ focal point for electoral support to Afghanistan and will coordinate international assistance to the Electoral System Reform Commission.

“Electoral reforms are essential to restoring the faith of the Afghan people in the democratic process and will lead to greater political stability,” said Mr. Yamamoto.