Kabul: Afghanistan`s independent election commission has confirmed it is postponing Parliamentary Election until the fall due to a lack of funding, security concerns and logistical challenges.
Commissioner Fazel Ahmed Manawi also told reporters on Sunday the delay will allow time for electoral reforms — a move likely to please Western countries pressing for changes after a fraud-marred Presidential Election.
Manawi says the vote, which had been scheduled for May 22, will be held on September 18 instead.
US lawmakers and other critics had pressed for a delay in the wake of last August`s disputed Presidential Election, warning that holding the vote without substantive electoral reform could undermine support for US aid to Afghanistan.
Bureau Report
