Convention of Consultative Meetings with Political Parties on the Election Law and Law on Political Parties

Ministry of Justice conducted Second consultative and advisory meeting with representatives of political parties on the draft law on elections and the draft law on political parties.

This meeting was presided by Dr. Zakia Adeli, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs of the Ministry of Justice and Technical Cooperation of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), with the participation of representatives of political parties and members of relevant committees.

 Deputy Minister of Social Affairs of the Ministry of Justice pointed out that, the role of political parties in the solidification of democracy in society is vital. Furthermore, she said that, the political parties can strengthen the circulation system of elites through political and electoral completion and in turn, preclude from the concentration and monopoly of power in society as well.

Referring to the challenges and reasons for the ineffectiveness of political parties in the country, she said that, the Ministry of Justice has taken some measures to improve the quality of political parties and the effectiveness of their activities.

Dr. Zakia Adeli stated that, improving the organizational structure of the General Directorate of Coordination, considering an observational board in the organizational structure of this directorate, creating liaisons amongst administrations concerning the overlooking of the activities of political parties, creating an electronic database of political parties, establishing revision committees for the amendment of Law on Political Parties, Elections Law and drafting the Law on Financing Political Parties in electoral campaigns are the most significant measures taken by the Ministry of Justice.

Moreover, she stated that, the proposals and necessities of the society required the Elections Law to be revised and amended in accordance with the current circumstances and realities of the Afghan society.

At this meeting, Dawood Koohi, Chairman of Afghanistan National Democratic Institute (NDI), pointed out that, convoking and conducting such meetings by the Ministry of Justice is praiseworthy and promised that, the respective office would be willing to further its cooperation with the Ministry of Justice.

Ensuing of the meeting, Ms. Brigitte Olsen, director of the Political Parties of (NDI), elaborated on the electoral systems online.

Likewise, the revision committees for the amendment of Elections Law and Law on Political Parties, shared their performance modality and the representatives of political parties presented their viewpoints to this committees.