Info
Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: One one constituency exists for presidential elections, while provincial boundaries are used for provincial council or Wolesi Jirga elections.
Source: Article 10.1, Election Law (2014)
http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2381_B.htm
Verified: 2019/09/24
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational) d . A government department or agency
Comments: Article 11: (1) Determination of the boundaries of the electoral constituencies is related to the Independent Directorate for Local Governance.
(2) The Independent Directorate for Local Governance is obliged to specify the boundaries of the electoral constituencies and officially notify the Commission 180 days prior to conducting an election.
Source: Article 11, Electoral Law ;
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Article 11, Election Law (2014)
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
f . A government department or agency
Comments: Disputes over dependency of a village to a province or a district, due to delimitation of electoral boundaries of provincial and district constituencies, shall be resolved by the Commission to the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) for a decision.
Source: Afghan Electoral Law, art. 11: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Article 20: (1) The President shall be elected by obtaining more than 50 percent of the votes cast by voters through free, universal, secret and direct polling. Elections for the new President shall be held within thirty to
sixty days prior to the end of the presidential term. If in the first round none of the candidates
gets more than fifty percent of the votes, elections for the second round shall be held within two
weeks from the date election results are proclaimed, and, in this round, only two candidates who
have received the highest number of votes in the first round shall participate.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 61: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2014);
Afghan Electoral Law, art. 20(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/Electoral%20Law%20Eng.pdf/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Article 61(2): "If in the first round none of the candidates
gets more than fifty percent of the votes, elections for the second round shall be held within two weeks from the date election results are proclaimed, and, in this round, only two candidates who have received the highest number of votes in the first round shall participate."
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 61: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015);
Afghan Electoral Law, art. 20: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/Electoral%20Law%20Eng.pdf/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President shall be the head of state of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, executing his authorities in the executive, legislative and judiciary fields in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 60: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2019/09/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: Article 82: "The National Assembly consists of two houses: House of People [Wolesi Jirga] and House of Elders [Mesherano Jirga]."
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 82: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2019/09/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
f . Single Non-Transferable Vote
Comments: Wolesi Jirga has 249 seats out of which 239 seats are allocated to the provinces in proportion to their population and the remaining 10 seats are allocated to Kuchis. The members of the Wolesi Jirga are elected through non-transferable votes.
Source: Afghan Electoral Law, art. 22: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/Electoral%20Law%20Eng.pdf/view (2014);
Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 83: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2019/09/24
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
f . Single Non-Transferable Vote j . By appointment
Comments: Members of the House of Elders shall be elected and appointed as follows:
1. From amongst each provincial council members, one individual shall be elected
by the respective council for a four year term;
2. From amongst district councils of each province, one individual, elected by the
respective councils, for a three year term;
3. The remaining one third of the members shall be appointed by the President, for a
five year term, from amongst experts and experienced personalities, including two
members from amongst the impaired and handicapped, as well as two from
nomads.
Source:
Constitution of Afghanistan, Ch. 5 art. 84 http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2016/02/15
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/10/11
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: Members of the House of Elders shall be elected and appointed as follows:
1. From amongst each provincial council members, one individual shall be elected
by the respective council for a four year term;
2. From amongst district councils of each province, one individual, elected by the
respective councils, for a three year term;
3. The remaining one third of the members shall be appointed by the President, for a
five year term, from amongst experts and experienced personalities, including two
members from amongst the impaired and handicapped, as well as two from
nomads.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, Ch.5 art. 84: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2016/10/11
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Ten seats are reserved for Kuchi candidates.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 23: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2016/10/11
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The remaining one third of the members shall be appointed by the President, for a
five year term, from amongst experts and experienced personalities, including two
members from amongst the impaired and handicapped, as well as two from
nomads. The President shall appoint fifty percent of these individuals from amongst women.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, Ch.5 art. 84 sec. 3: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2016/10/11
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/02/15
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/02/15
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: Members of the House of People shall be elected by the people through free, general, secret and
direct balloting. The work period of the House of People shall terminate, after the disclosure of
the results of the elections, on the 1st of Saratan of the fifth year and the new parliament shall
commence work. The elections for members of the House of People shall be held 30-60 days
prior to the expiration of the term of the House of People.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, Ch.5 art. 83: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2016/10/11
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments: The Electoral Law of Afghanistan is a separate legislative document which was enacted in 2010. The legislation was brought into force under art. 79 of the Constitution of Afghanistan, which requires the endorsement of the President to establish new laws.
Source: Electoral Law of Afghanistan: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/10/11
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: The objectives of this law are: 1- Administration of free, universal, secret, direct, fair and transparent elections. 2- Establishing requirements and qualifications of voters and candidates. 3- Determining the electoral constituencies. 4- Manner of election and how to conduct it. 5- Managing affairs related to addressing the violations, objections and complaints arising from the elections.
Source: Afghanistan Electoral Law, art. 21-39 (Chapters 5-15): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Every voter shall have the right to have access to a polling center to exercise his/her vote.
Source: Afghan Election Law, art. 5 (3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary d . Other
Comments: Disputes over electoral matters are referred to the Central Complaints Commission established 120 days prior to the election date, by the president in consultation with the head of the Wolesi Jirga, the Meshrano Jirga and the head of the Supreme Court (Chief Justice).
Source: Afghanistan Electoral Law, art. 66(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters d . Foreign/International Observers
Comments:
Source: Afghan Electoral Law:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2016/10/11
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Afghan Electoral Law:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2016/10/11
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) shall be established to administer and supervise every kind of elections as well as refer to general public opinion of the people in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, Art. 156
Afghan Electoral Law, art. 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
a . The President c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Afghan Constitution, Ch 11 art. 156
Verified: 2016/10/11
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department f . Donors
Comments: Donors, and the Ministry of Finance
Source: Strategic Plan of the Independent Electoral Commission of Afghanistan (2011-2016), pag. 68: http://www.iec.org.af/pdf/plan/updated_iec_five_year_strategic_plan_05_june_2012_eng.pdf.
Verified: 2019/09/24
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department h . No information available
Comments: Ministry of Finance
Source: Strategic Plan of the Independent Electoral Commission of Afghanistan (2011-2016), pag. 68: http://www.iec.org.af/pdf/plan/updated_iec_five_year_strategic_plan_05_june_2012_eng.pdf.
Verified: 2019/09/24
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Secretary, who are elected from among the Commission members for three years, can be endorsed for another three years.
Source: http://www.iec.org.af/pdf/factsheets-014/eng/faq_iec.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
b . Legislative appointment d . Presidential/ Prime Minister appointment
Comments: Afghan Constitution, Ch 11 art. 156:
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Source:
Verified: 2016/10/11
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The IEC is the only institution responsible for administering and supervising elections and referenda, and acts independently.
Source: The Independent Election Commission, Vision and Mission: http://www.iec.org.af/2012-05-29-07-06-38/vision-mission (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Independent Election Commission is comprised of a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and five members, who are appointed by the president in the posts equivalent to the most senior government post.
Source: Strategic Plan of the Independent Electoral Commission of Afghanistan (2011-2016), pag. 13: http://www.iec.org.af/pdf/plan/updated_iec_five_year_strategic_plan_05_june_2012_eng.pdf (2014);
http://www.iec.org.af/2012-05-29-07-06-38/iec-structure (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
e . No Information Available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/09/24
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State e . Legislature
Comments: The EMB commissioners are selected by the President with the endorsement of the House of People.
Source: Strategic Plan of the Independent Electoral Commission of Afghanistan (2011-2016), pag. 13: http://www.iec.org.af/pdf/plan/updated_iec_five_year_strategic_plan_05_june_2012_eng.pdf (2014).
Afghan Constitution, Ch.11 art. 156
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body i . Media
Comments: The Independent Election Commission, mass media, and the Media Commission.
Source: Afghan Election Law, art. 55: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014);
Regulation of Media Activities During Elections, art. 1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-media-activities-during/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: The Commission is obliged to make available all materials necessary for election at the polling centers prior to the Election Day and provide, for voters and candidates, all possible facilities for the participation and exercising of the right to vote.
Source: Afghan Election Law, art. 55: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2016/10/11
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/03/14
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: An eligible voter shall have completed 18 years of age on the Election Day.
Source: Afghan Election Law, art. 13(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2381_B.htm
Verified: 2019/09/24
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: an eligible voter shall:
- Citizenship of Afghanistan (by origin or obtained);
- Registration on the electoral role;
- Age: 18 years or over on election day.
Disqualification: persons deprived of any political and civil rights by an authoritative court
Source: Afghan Election Law, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014);
Afghan Regulation on Polling, art. 1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-polling-2013-english/view (2014).
http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2381_B.htm
Verified: 2019/09/24
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Independent Election Commission has an overall responsibility for voter registration, and it determines and announces the voter registration dates.
To register the voters, at least one voter registration center shall be established in each district. In a city, each nahia has at least one registration center. The number of registration stations is established according to the population of the district or nahia.
Independent Election Commission also designates specific registration stations for nomads and establishes mobile teams for registration of in-patients, prisoners that are not deprived from their political rights by a court order and armed forces. Voter registration locations are designated and publicly announced by the Independent Election Commission at least 7 days prior to their opening.
Source: Afghan Election Law, art. 12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014);
Law on the Structure, Duties and Authorities of the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission, art. 14(6): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english-1/view (2014).
http://www.iec.org.af/pdf/plan/updated_iec_five_year_strategic_plan_05_june_2012_eng.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Only people who wish to register shall come to the voter registration center in the district or nahia of residence, and may apply to register under the conditions set forth in the Electoral Law and the Regulation on Voter Registration.
Source: Afghan Election Law, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments: The Ministry of Justice shall refuse the registration of political parties which: pursue objectives that are opposed to the principles of the holy religion Islam; use force or threaten with or propagate force; incite to ethnic, racial, religious or sectional violence; create a real danger to the rights and freedom of individuals or intentionally disrupt public order and security; have military organizations or affiliations with armed forces; receive funds from foreign sources; have fewer than 700 members at the time of registration and wish to register under the name of a political party that has already been registered.
Source: Political Parties Law, art. 6 & 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-political-parties-law-2005/view (2014);
Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 35(3): http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2019/09/24
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: The individual who becomes a candidate or appointed to the membership of the National Assembly, in addition to the completion of the conditions of the election, shall have the following qualifications:
1) Shall be a citizen of Afghanistan or shall have obtained citizenship of the state of Afghanistan at least ten years prior to candidacy date or appointment
2) Shall not have been convicted of crimes against humanity, as well as a crime or deprivation from civil rights by a court
3) Shall be at least twenty-five years of age on the day of registration as a candidate for the Wolesi Jirga (National Assembly), and 35 years on candidacy day or appointment for the Meshrano Jirga (Senate)
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 62 & 85: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf(2014);
Afghan Regulation of the Registration of Candidates, art. 1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-the-registration-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Afghan Regulation of the Registration of Candidates, art. 1: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-the-registration-of/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: They may receive both direct and indirect public funding (media access) if equal conditions and facilities are available for all candidates. Only Afghan citizens, political parties and other domestic legal and non-governmental entities may contribute to the campaigns of candidates, including money, loans, movable and immovable properties, services and facilities.
Source: Afghan Political Parties Act, art. 15(d): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-political-parties-law-2005/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Comments: No government department can contribute to the political campaign of a candidate or provide him/her with public resources unless equal conditions and facilities are available for all candidates.
No person may use public resources for electoral campaign unless similar conditions are provided to all candidates by the government.
Source: Afghan Political Parties Act, art. 15(d): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-political-parties-law-2005/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political parties may receive income from the following sources:
(a) Membership contributions
(b) Donations by Afghan natural persons up to two million Afghani per year
(c) Income from a party’s movable and immovable property
(d) Subsidies by the government in connection with elections
(e) Other contributions by members
Source: Political Parties Law, art. 15: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-political-parties-law-2005/view (2014);
Regulation on Election Campaign Period, art. 5(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-the-registration-of-2/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
b . The polling centre
Comments: Vote counting shall be carried out by the polling station’s staff under the supervision of the station’s chairperson soon after polling comes to an end.
The chairperson, in accordance with the procedures approved by the Commission, is responsible for the counting station and correct implementation of the counting process. This method is to be used unless the commission adopts another approach considering the security, technical challenges or weather conditions.
Source: Electoral Law of Afghanistan, art. 52(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: In case the vote counting process is challenged, the Commission and the Complaint Commission may order the re-count of all the ballots or part of it in an electoral constituency prior to the certification of the final results.
Source: Electoral Law of Afghanistan, art. 57: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-election-law-2014-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: To raise public awareness, Public Media (TV, radio and print media) are to fairly and impartially broadcast and publish candidates' platforms, comments, and objectives during electoral campaigns.
No one is to use public possessions and property during electoral campaigns unless an authorized authority provides equal facilities to all candidates.
The state-run media shall provide limited opportunities for broadcasting the advertising messages of candidates free of cost considering the schedule prepared by the Commission.
The state-run media shall provide limited conditions for broadcasting and advertising messages of candidates at no cost considering the schedule prepared by the Commission.
Source: Afghan Regulation on Media Activites During Elections, art. 1-3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-media-activities-during/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: The mass media shall, to the extent possible, provide fair and equal conditions for participation of candidates in radio and TV round tables, debates, and other similar programs that they hold for participation of candidates. Commercials during the campaign period shall be an exception to this rule.
Source: Afghan Regulation on Media Activities During Elections, art. 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-media-activities-during/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: The electoral campaign shall end 48 hours before the Election Day.
Source: Afghan Regulation on Media Activites During Elections, art. 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-media-activities-during/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/09/24
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: In 2014 neither the law, or the specifications within the Regulation on Political Campaign Finance mention a maximum amount permitted to be spent on advertising or in general.
Source: Afghan Regulation on Managing Campaign Finance during 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council Elections, art. 3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-managing-campaign/view (2014).
Verified: 2019/09/24
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President can call for a referendum of the people of Afghanistan. The referendum shall not be contrary to the provisions of this Constitution or require its amendment.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 65 & 76: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2019/09/24
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/03/14
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/03/14
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/09/24
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/09/24
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/09/24
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/10/27
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/09/24
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
b . Only other issues than constitutional changes
Comments: On important national, political, social as well as economic issues the President can call for a referendum of the people of Afghanistan. The referendum shall not be contrary to the provisions of this Constitution or require its amendment.
Source: Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 65: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2019/09/24
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/09/24
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections e . At mobile polling stations
Comments:
Source: Afghan Regulation on Polling, art. 2: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-polling-2013-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2016/03/14
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
g . Other h . No information available
Comments:
Source: Afghan Electoral Law, art. 15(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/Electoral%20Law%20Eng.pdf/view (2015).
Verified: 2016/03/14
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
c . Special polling stations f . Other
Comments:
Source: Afghan Electoral Law, art. 14(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/Electoral%20Law%20Eng.pdf/view (2015).
Verified: 2016/03/14
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Afghan Regulation on Polling, art. 10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-polling-2013-english/view (2014).
Verified: 2016/03/14
Forgot your password?
