Independent Election Commission (IEC) Secretariat Chief Zia-ul-Haq Amarkhai said on Wednesday that preparations for the April Presidential and Provincial Council elections were moving forward in full capacity and on schedule.
The IEC looked to discuss logistical and technical preparations for the elections, which will be the first that Afghans run virtually entirely on their own. The April vote could also mark the first democratic transition of Presidential power, as President Karzai will be stepping down.
"The programs of the election commission are moving forward according to the timetable, the candidates nomination filling process ended successfully and the final list was announced and presidential names ordered for ballots," Amarkhail said on Wednesday. "Finally, the IEC has worked on logistics and on the quality of materials."
He said the elections would be held on time, quelling recent rumors that there would be a delay due to meddling powerful interests or insecurity.
"We assure that the people of Afghanistan that the elections will be conducted on time by the grace of Allah Almighty and we have undertaken necessary measures for holding a legitimate and transparent vote," Amarkhail said.
The upcoming elections are scheduled to take place on April 5, and come at a crucial time in Afghan development, with the NATO combat mission ending next year and foreign troops wthdrawing after 12 years of war.