Afghanistan: UN Mission welcomes establishment of electoral system reform commission

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today welcomed the establishment by the National Unity Government of an Electoral System Reform Commission in the country.

“This is an important step,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General 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 acknowledged the nomination of Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, to the Commission. Mr. Yamamoto is the United Nations' focal point for electoral support to the country and will coordinate international assistance to the Electoral System Reform Commission.

The UN will not be a voting-member of the Commission, which will conduct its work under the chairmanship of Sultan Shah Akefi. The Organization's 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.

“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.