Afghan election decision delayed

Afghan election decision delayed

It looks like a key announcement on the final result of the August 20th voting could still be days away.

Diplomats and journalists were awaiting a news conference on Saturday giving revised voting figures after an investigation and partial recount by the Election Complaints Commission.

The ECC was supposed to pass its ruling to the Independent Election Commission, the much-criticised Afghan-led body that organised the election, on Thursday.

However, the chairman of the IEC, Professor Azzizullah Ludin tells me he still has not received the email from the ECC. He says his commision will need about three days of meetings before making a formal announcement.

Interestingly, he told me the three days were required “to make sure the ECC rulings are correct.” This comment may well cause some concern in diplomatic circles. UN sources say that legally, the IEC have no power to amend or oppose the ECC rulings. I am told they should simply announce and implement them.

If Karzai’s share of votes drops below 50 per cent, the IEC is required by the constitution to announce a new election date.

Professor Ludin has been personally criticised by Karzai’s rival Dr Abdullah, who repeatedly claimed the IEC chairman is biased in favour of the president.