KABUL - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of 20 April 2019 for the presidential election in Afghanistan.

“Today’s announcement is an important moment for democracy in Afghanistan,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. “We urge all parties to perform their respective roles in order to ensure necessary timelines and conditions are met for credible presidential elections.”

According to preliminary IEC data, more than 8.9 million Afghans, including more than three million women, have registered to vote in this year’s parliamentary and district council elections, and for the 2019 presidential elections. UNAMA expects a multi-layered and thorough verification process of registered voters in order for any irregularities to be addressed.

UNAMA performs a strictly impartial role in supporting Afghanistan’s electoral management bodies in the organization of elections, as well as in strengthening the integrity, sustainability and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

UNAMA remains committed to working with Afghan institutions as they implement reforms to enhance transparency and build trust in Afghanistan’s democratic processes, including by promoting the participation of women as voters and as candidates.