IEC formally declares new date for Wolesi Jirga polls

AVA- IEC chief Gulajan Bade Sayyad told a press conference in Kabul that the decision to change the date from July 18 to Oct 20 had been taken in line with Article 43 of the Constitution.

He said security issues and lack of budget had been main reasons behind the delay in holding the upcoming polls and the two issues were finally agreed upon after consultations with political parties and election watchdogs.

The top electoral official said vote in the upcoming election would be cast by using the old paper National Identity Cards (NIC).

All countrymen and women should refer to the nearest voter registration centre with their NICs, said Sayyad, adding vote could be polled at the same spot where the registration took place.

He added those lacking Tazkera should refer to the Population Registration Department and get their NIC.

Sayyad said polling stations could not be designated in 23 districts due to high security risks but security forces had assured of paving ground for their opening.

The IEC head did not announce a date for voter registration but said candidates have to provide a list of possible voters in their favour.

He said the IEC had assured the people of Afghanistan that the next polls would be held transparently despite multiple challenges such as insecurity.