Former National Security Advisor Haneef Atmar while addressing a press conference expressed that the recently proposed consultative Loya Jirga on Peace must not be misused for ‘personal interests’ adding that political parties & civil society members must be consulted on the agenda of the house.
Speaking about the upcoming presidential elections, he remarked that there is need for the elections to be held on time and also stressed on the independent and transparent nature of their conduction. He expressed that government’s “monopoly” of elections needs to be eliminated and an elections reform package has been submitted to government.
In light of the recent dismissal of IEC and IECC heads and members, he expressed concern and said that the decision was made unilaterally as presidential candidates had not been consulted.
While addressing the various issues surrounding the Afghan parliamentary elections which took place in October 2018, he retorted “No doubt that the parliamentary election was full of fraud, but were the commissions solely responsible for it?”
Atmar also urged the Afghan government to consult with political leaders in the country before appointing any new election officials.
Earlier this month, President Ghani by a decree sacked Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Mohaqiq and Atmar during his address, questioned the is legal basis for such an action.
Atmar also said that government officials have begun an ‘illicit purge’ of its political rivals, which is clearly demonstrable for the Peace and Moderation Team, as 12 people who were linked to the team were either ousted or forced to resign from Mohaqiq to a number of advisers, ministers and governors.
