The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Saturday said the electoral body has moved forward the preparations for presidential elections "by at least 60 percent".

The IEC deputy spokesman Abdul Aziz Ibrahimi said “the supportive voter registration process” will kick off on December 22 and will continue through to 24th of January 2019.
He said presidential elections candidates can register their names from December 22 to 2nd of January 2019.
“We will go ahead based on our operational plan and the elections schedule to hold the presidential elections,” Ibrahimi said.
Some MPs meanwhile said they are skeptical about the ability of the election commission to hold the presidential elections on the scheduled time – next year on April 20.
“They need time and equipment and the commission and government should be able to overcome challenges to pave the ground for elections,” MP Khalilullah Shahidaada said.
Other MPs meanwhile said the Independent Election Commission should learn lessons from the previous elections.
“Ensuring security of remote areas should be considered,” MP Razia Mangal suggested. 
“We, especially the election commission, should put all our focus on holding the presidential elections,” MP Sayed Ali Akbar Kazimi said.
The Independent Election Commission last week announced the presidential elections timeline.
Based on the timeline, presidential elections will be held next year on April 20. 
Meanwhile, Ghazni parliamentary elections will be held simultaneously with the presidential elections based on the timeline.