ENHANCING LEGAL AND ELECTORAL CAPACITY FOR TOMORROW Phase II ( ) ELECT II 2013 ANNUAL PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT

Transcription

1 ENHANCING LEGAL AND ELECTORAL CAPACITY FOR TOMORROW Phase II ( ) ELECT II 2013 ANNUAL PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT

2 DONORS Australia Canada Denmark EU France Germany Italy Japan** Netherlands Norway Republic of Korea* Sweden Turkey* United Kingdom United States of America * Continued support from ELECT I budget ** Japan signed an agreement with UNDP to support the electoral process and the IEC, contributing to the ELECT II objectives outside the basket fund.

3 PROJECT INFORMATION Project ID: Duration: January 2012 December 2015 ANDS Component: Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights Contributing to NPP: National Governance cluster: o National Transparency and Accountability Program (component 3.7. oversight mechanism for elections); o National Law and Justice for All Program (legal reform of the electoral framework); o National Human Rights and Civic Responsibilities Program (component 3.2 increased effectiveness of IEC and ECC). Human Resources cluster: o National Action Plan for Women of Afghanistan (NAPWA) (component 5: Public Education and Awareness Raising). CPAP Component: Outcome 4: The state and non-state institutions are better able to promote democratic participation and be accountable to the public UNDP Strategic Plan Component: Democratic Governance Total Budget: US $ 338,157,793 Annual Work Plan 2013: US $ 75,207,100 Implementing Partner: Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) Chief Technical Advisor: Deryck Fritz Programme Specialist - Elections, UNDP Country Office: Mir Nadia Nivin Project Planning, Monitoring and Reporting Specialist: Filip Warnants PHOTO COVER PAGE: Female first time voters registering at a voter registration centre in Bamyan (August 2013) Photo by ELECT II

4 ACRONYMS AGCHO ANA ANSF AWP CD CDA CDAP CEO CoC CSC CSO DIM DFC DSRSG EDR ELECT / II ERD FEFA GIROA GIS GU IEC IECC IFES ISAF FEFA GARMIN MoCIT MoD MoF MoH MoI MoJ MoU MoWA M&E NAM NID NIM NGO PEO PERO PO POD PPSU PSA QA SC SNTV SOPs SRSG TEFA TMAF ToT T&CB T&CBD UN UNAMA UNDP VR Afghan Geodesy and Cartography Head Office Afghan National Army Afghan National Security Forces Annual Work Plan Capacity Development Capacity Development Assessment Capacity Development Action Plan Chief Electoral Officer Code of Conduct Civil Service Commission Civil Society Organization Direct Implementation Modality District Field Coordinator Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General Electoral Dispute Resolution Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow / II External Relations Department Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Geographic Information System Gender Unit Independent Election Commission Independent Electoral Complaint Commission International Foundation for Electoral Systems International Security Assistance Force Free and Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan Grants Agreement and Risk Management Ministry of Communications and IT Ministry of Defence Ministry of Finance Ministry of Haj Ministry of Interior Ministry of Justice Memorandum of Understanding Ministry of Women Affairs Monitoring and Evaluation Needs Assessment Mission National ID National Implementation Modality Non-Governmental Organization Provincial Electoral Officer Provincial External Relation Officer Public Outreach Public Outreach Department Policy and Program Support Unit Public Service Announcement Quality Assurance Security Council Single Non-Transferrable Vote Standard Operating Procedures Special Representative of the Secretary-General Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework Training of Trainers Training and Capacity Building Training and Capacity Building Department United Nations United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan United Nations Development Programme Voter Registration

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 1 II. CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND III. RESULTS OUTPUT 1: Sustainability of the IEC is enhanced via the development of both its institutional and staff capacities Organizational and Staff Capacity Legal framework, regulations and Codes of Conduct Physical infrastructure and security Gender mainstreaming EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR OUTPUT 2: A sustainable, long-term approach to voter registration in Afghanistan, which also promotes maximum participation of eligible citizens in the 2014 and 2015 elections, is developed and implemented Voter Registration e-tazkira synergies EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR OUTPUT 3: The IEC s engagement and informational outreach with key stakeholders and the electorate is enhanced Public Outreach External Relations Candidate Registration Gender mainstreaming and women s outreach EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR OUTPUT 4: The IEC s operational management functions and the project support services are provided in a transparent, efficient and effective manner IEC s Operational functions ELECT II project resources management ELECT II direct operations support EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR OUTPUT 5: The conduct of polling, counting and results management operations by the IEC is improved Electoral Operations Results management Polling centre verification EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR... 64

6 OUTPUT 6: The electoral dispute resolution mechanisms of the electoral process are enhanced IECC EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR OUTPUT 7: The integrity of the electoral process is enhanced through a fullysupported media regulatory body Media Commission EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR IV. GENDER SPECIFIC RESULTS a. IEC Gender Strategy and Institutional Gender Mainstreaming b. IEC s efforts on promoting women to participate in candidate nomination c. Female participation in the Voter Registration d. UN Joint Guidelines for Enhancing the Role of Women in Countries Emerging from Conflict or Political Transition V. PARTNERSHIPS VI. RISKS VII. ISSUES VIII. LESSONS LEARNED IX. FUTURE PLANS X. ANNEXES A. Annex 1: Financial Table B. Annex 2: Expenses by Output C. Annex 3: Expenses by Donor D. Annex 4: Risk Log E. Annex 5: Issue Log F. Annex 6: IEC Training and Capacity Building programmes in G. Annex 7: IEC Standard Operating Procedures developed in H. Annex 8: ELECT II Capacity Development approached and efforts to IEC ( ) I. Annex 9: 2013 provincial Voter Registration top-up details J. Annex 10: Candidate Nomination details K. Annex 11: Key dates IECC establishment L. Annex 12: ELECT II project M&E verification methodologies (2014) M. Annex 13: Key dates IEC 2014 Elections Operational Plan... 95

7 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Throughout 2013, the UNDP project Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow, Phase II (ELECT II) has targeted its support to the electoral process in Afghanistan with a clear focus on the 2014 horizon, a crucial year in terms of both political and security transition. As a result, 2013 can be characterized as a momentous year, resulting in an improved foundation for the conduct of the 5 April, 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections. Achievements that could potentially underscore more credible and inclusive elections include: an improved legal and regulatory framework; a new nine-member Board of Commissioners of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) appointed according to more inclusive procedures; and the establishment of a permanent five-member Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) 1. Along with the issuance of an electoral timeline well in advance of the 2014 elections, these developments have charted a course for electoral preparations whereby the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) has been increasingly aligning itself with electoral commitments agreed with international partners in the context of the Tokyo Mutual Agreement Framework (TMAF). As such, the successful conduct of the 2014 elections is a key milestone, and would represent the first peaceful transition of power in Afghanistan. In 2013, UNDP, the IEC and donor partners achieved a collective vision for a revised Project Document, which transformed ELECT II from a solely capacity building role to incorporate direct electoral support. From its inception in January 2012, ELECT II will now run until December 2015, and includes electoral support for the conduct of the: 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections; 2015 Wolesi Jirga (Lower House) elections; and possibly District Council elections. The revised Project Document continues to underscore the Afghanisation of the electoral process, whereby elections are fully Afghan-led and managed. ELECT II therefore adjusted itself to perform, in addition to an institutional and staff capacity development role, an integral electoral support function. ELECT II was restructured to meet its enhanced mandate, including deployment of a limited field presence in eight regional capitals. In 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with: the conduct of the voter registration top-up exercise; candidate registration; development of public outreach and stakeholder engagement activities; technical planning and preparations for the 2014 elections; establishment of the IEC Media 1 On 17 and 20 July 2013, respectively, President Karzai signed the Law on the Structure, Duties and Authorities of the IEC and IECC, further called the Structures Law and the revised Electoral Law and; on 27 July 2013, the President appointed the nine new Commissioners of the IEC, while the appointment of five Commissioners of the IECC on 16 September 2013 marked the establishment of a permanent electoral complaints body. 1 P a g e

8 Commission; and gender mainstreaming. ELECT II furthermore assisted the IEC with implementing the project s financial support mechanisms according to a national implementation modality (NIM), taking into account on-budget requirements versus time-bound election preparations. As foreseen in the Project Document revision, UNDP entered into sub-contracting agreements with UNOPS and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to provide operational and advisory support to the newly established IECC. Voter Registration: While the year commenced with the rejection by the GIRoA on 2 January 2013 of the IEC s second VR plan to revalidate all previously issued VR cards (after already having reserved its support for a full registration exercise of new voters) 2, consensus was reached amongst partners on a third IEC VR plan that envisaged a top-up exercise only. The IEC s two initial plans were not uniformly accepted, including amongst some donor partners, and the GIRoA ultimately rejected the proposal Voter registration (Bamyan, 22 August 2013) Photo by ELECT II also altered the scope of Output 2 during the project document revision in the first half of 2013, moving away from the envisaged qualitative establishment of a uniform voter registry towards a longer-term approach of a voter register to be derived in the future from an IEC CEO Ziaulhaq Amarkhil and ELECT II CTA Deryck Fritz inspecting the new printed voter registration books. (Photo credit: UNDP ELECT II) in favor of a longer-term solution: the national electronic ID card (e-tazkira) intended as multipurpose identification. The top-up voter registration compromise concluded the protracted discussions between the IEC, the government, and international partners, which had characterized much of The IEC s VR top-up exercise which commenced on 26 May 2013 is limited to: newly eligible/first-time voters; returnees; voters who moved constituencies; and those with damaged or lost cards. All previously distributed VR cards continue to be valid; together with e-tazkira cards once they are issued. This reality 41 provincial and 395 district voter registration centres facilitated in 2013 the registration of 3.4 million Afghan voters, of whom 1.2 million are women 2 Decision of the Council of Ministers on 17 September 2012 and the Clarification Letter of the Office of Administrative Affairs on 2 January P a g e

9 electronic civil registry to be established by the Ministries of Interior and Communications and IT. The IEC VR top-up campaign projected an improved IEC capacity for electoral administration, and moved the institution beyond its inter-election capacity consolidation phase and into the pre-electoral operational phase. On 26 May, the IEC initiated the VR (Phase I) establishing 41 registration centers (with separate male and female facilities) distributed amongst the 34 provincial capitals, and scheduled to remain open until two weeks prior to polling day. From 27 July until 10 November, the IEC implemented VR (phase II), expanding its VR efforts to districts by opening 395 additional centres. The VR top-up exercise can be regarded as a notable success for the IEC as: it facilitated the right to vote for eligible Afghan voters; and it demonstrated improved capacity for complex logistical and operational undertakings. By the end of 2013, the IEC had almost registered 3.4 million people (35% women), surpassing initial 2,713 Provincial Council candidates, of whom 308 are women, were nominated in November 2013 to contest for 458 provincial council seats projections. The IEC was successful in opening VR centres in 99% of districts 3. In October and November 2013, the IEC extended the VR even beyond district centres by deploying mobile teams to more remote populated areas. ELECT II provided support to the IEC in a wide range of aspects, from assistance to conceptual and implementation planning, including enhanced security features on the VR cards; to providing logistical support to the IEC s field operations; and support to procurement of VR materials. Candidate Registration: From 16 September until 6 October, the IEC undertook the candidate registration process. After internal verification by the IEC, and adjudication of complaints by the IECC, the IEC announced on 25 November the registration of 11 presidential candidates and their vice-presidential nominees, as well as 2,713 provincial council candidates (308 women) to contest the 458 provincial council seats, to be allocated nationwide (20% reserved for women). 4 From a technical and operational Candidate nomination at the IEC Media Center (Kabul, 06 October 2013) Photo by ELECT II 3 Of the 399 planned district registration centres, only four could not be opened at all due to security constraints: Nawa (Ghazni), Kakar (Zabul), and Baghrana nd Deh-e-shu (Helmand). There were in addition substantial security issues in Alasai (Kapisa), Naka (Paktika), Khogyani (Ghazni), and Waygal and Kamdesh (Nuristan), leading to a delayed or interrupted opening of voter registration centres but not completely undermining the process. 4 On 26 January 2014, the IECC disqualified 25 provincial extra council candidates for failing to meet the required minimum age of 25 years old. The IECC indicated that further investigation regarding candidates requirements is ongoing. 3 P a g e

10 perspective, the candidate registration process can be regarded as an overall success. Together with the VR exercise, it enhanced coordination between IEC HQ and provincial offices, and solutions were found for distinct operational challenges. The process, however, emphasized the need for close coordination between the IEC and IECC on joint timeline planning, as well as the importance of transparent decisionmaking at key stages of the electoral 11 IEC public service announcements reached circa 17 million radio listeners and almost 3 million television viewers throughout 2013 process. The IEC assisted the IECC with collecting and retrieving the complaints in the provinces for submission to the IECC in Kabul. ELECT II assisted the IEC with design and review of candidate nomination procedures and forms, as well as with incorporating a significant gender-perspective throughout the process, not least supporting the IEC efforts to encourage greater women s registration through concrete incentives. Public outreach and stakeholder engagement: Both the VR top-up campaign and the candidate nomination period were accompanied by an integrated public outreach campaign; spearheaded by indirect initiatives including informative TV and radio public service announcements (PSA), billboards, pole signs and flyers, and underpinned by direct face-to-face community interaction through the deployment of 864 civic and voter educators at district level. An estimated 16.7 million listeners and 2.7 viewers have been reached repetitively over an on-going period of more than six months through radio and TV PSAs, respectively. Furthermore, the IEC conducted national and provincial seminars promoting inclusive elections, emphasizing women s participation, conducted with community and religious leaders, and women s and youth networks. The IEC engaged with tens of thousands of people directly through these multiple provincial seminars and face-to-face meetings. In IEC meeting with stakeholders on public outreach (Kabul, 05 July 2013) Photo by ELECT II addition, from mid-july, the IEC launched a 60-operator Voter Information - Call Centre to respond to election-related queries from the general public, and by the end of 2013 more than 700,000 calls had been received. ELECT II played a prominent role in assisting the IEC with planning its public outreach strategy for the VR exercise and candidate registration, as well as with its overall civic and voter education campaign for the 2014 elections. ELECT II also supported the IEC with the design and procurement of public outreach materials; and is arranging contracting for third party monitoring to follow proper implementation of public outreach activities in Women s Engagement and Participation: A key focus of ELECT II is to assist the IEC in promoting women s participation in the electoral process. This includes contributing a gender perspective to all IEC planning, procedures, regulations; public outreach and 4 P a g e

11 stakeholder activities; and internal IEC policy and personnel procedures. The IEC pursued a three-pronged approach to engaging women in the VR process by: planning separate VR registration stations (440) for women operated by female staff; conducting a range of public outreach activities, including radio and TV Public Service Announcements encouraging women s participation; as well as national and multiple provincial stakeholder meetings with community and religious leaders, as well as women s and youth networks, highlighting women s participation. The IEC expressed concern over the initial low level of women s participation in both the VR and candidate nomination processes, and undertook pro-active steps to further engage women. These included: provincial seminars with a primary focus on women s participation; and the conduct of IECconvened Gender and Elections coordination meetings with governmental and nongovernmental partners. As a result, the IEC determined to: establish separate female mobile registration teams to move to more accessible or suitable locations for women. This resulted in the registration of almost 1.2 million women as voters by end of 2013, or nearly 35%, exceeding expectations. In terms of candidate nomination, one woman registered herself as a presidential candidate 5, but failed to meet the criteria. In addition, the IEC decided to fully reimburse provincial council female candidates for their registration deposit, regardless of In 2013, more than 100 provincial and national IEC stakeholder consultations engaged tens of thousands community and religious leaders, government officials, women, young voters, political actors, observers, journalists and other stakeholders IEC Gender and Elections Coordination Meeting (Kabul, 25 September 2013) Photo by ELECT II their election result. Consequently, 324 women were registered as provincial council candidates, of which 308 were nominated after the verification and adjudication process. IECC: An adjudication mechanism capable of providing effective, timely and enforceable remedies is central to a credible election process. As such, UNDP pursued sub-contracting arrangements with UNOPS (operational support) and IFES (advisory support) for funding through ELECT II. ELECT II also engaged an election dispute resolution expert to assist UNDP Country Office to launch IECC-intended assistance. After passage of the electoral legislation which established the IECC as a permanent five-member commission in July, and the presidential appointment of the five commissioners in September, ELECT II supported the IEC to implement a Memorandum of Understanding between the IEC and IECC, whereby the IEC pledged 5 As of closing of the candidate nomination period on 6 October, the IEC had registered 27 presidential candidates, of which 1 women and 56 first and second vice-presidential nominees, of which 9 women. After the verification and adjudication process of the presidential candidates, only 1 woman remained in the running as second vice-presidential nominee. 5 P a g e

12 to provide the IECC with initial start-up assistance. Despite the late passage of the law and subsequent appointment of the commissioners, UNOPS and IFES supported from the fourth quarter of 2013 the IECC to be established and functional. Both institutions provide continuous operational and advisory assistance to the IECC to enable it to deliver on its mandate. In October and November, pending the establishment of IECC provincial offices, IEC s provincial offices received and forwarded candidate nominationrelated complaints to IECC in Kabul based on a joint understanding that includes positive collaboration and coordination between both electoral bodies. IEC Media Commission: On 4 December 2013, the IEC appointed the five-member Media Commission, after a consultative screening process. The timely establishment of the IEC Media Commission will permit the IEC to monitor equitable media access and coverage during the Presidential campaign (2 February 2 April 2014) and the Provincial Council campaign (2 March 2 April). ELECT II prepared a Concept Paper advising the IEC on the establishment of the Media Commission, based on consultations with the IEC and other stakeholders, including media representatives. Key recommendations were accepted, including the five-member composition comprised of qualified commissioners with the necessary professional authority to effectively advise the IEC on media regulatory matters. ELECT II also assisted the Media Commission in developing the IEC s regulation on media coverage, underscoring transparency and equitable treatment with regard to print and broadcast media and paid political advertising. ELECT II also initiated procurement of a third-party media monitoring entity, to provide regular reports to the IEC Media Commission on candidates access to media. By the end of 2013 more than 700,000 people had called the IEC Voter Information Call Centre established in July Electoral planning: ELECT II contributed significantly to the timely development of planning documents for the upcoming elections, such as the: Election Operations Plan for the 2014 elections; Security and Fraud Mitigation Plans; Gender Strategy and Action Plan; Public Outreach Strategy; Media Commission Concept Paper; and Election Procurement Plan. These planning documents not only serve as a guideline for the upcoming elections, but also as an institutional memory for the preparation and conduct of future elections. To enhance logistical management and proper assets tracking, ELECT II introduced an electronic assets tracking software to the IEC. To assist the IEC with electoral planning and implementation, ELECT II recruited 24 international advisors who were deployed to eight regional capitals in three-person teams (electoral, logistics and security specialist). Furthermore, ELECT II advised the IEC on the development and revision of regulations and procedures, as well as self-regulatory Codes of Conduct, in line with the new legal framework. In 2013, ELECT II further supported the IEC in conducting coordination meetings with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to secure the VR top-up campaign, and to undertake forward security planning for polling centres. Regarding the latter, in April 2013 the IEC submitted a list 6 P a g e

13 of 6,845 proposed polling centres to the MoI for security assessment. Initial feedback in July 2013 indicated that security cannot be guaranteed for 258 of the polling centres (3.7%). The assessment was to be be regularly updated until three months before the elections 6. IEC Capacity Building: In line with the principle of Afghanisation, a key objective of ELECT II is long-term IEC sustainability, and enhancing IEC capacity to organize elections in a credible, professional and successful manner with decreasing international support. ELECT II is assisting the IEC with capacity enhancement efforts targeted at individual staff, organizational and institutional levels. ELECT II asset tracking system training (Kabul, 26 August 2013) - Photo by ELECT II Staff Development: The fact that ELECT II personnel are embedded in the IEC structure provides for a direct transfer of knowledge and skills. In More than 660 IEC staff (22% addition, ELECT II supports the IEC s training and female) benefitted directly in capacity building programmes for permanent and 2013 from ELECT II - supported IEC trainings and capacity development temporary staff members. In 2013, around 600 IEC participants (22% women) benefitted from trainings (including educational grants). In addition, IEC trained more than 5,600 temporary staff (33% female), with regard to conduct of the VR top-up campaign, as well as preparing 864 civic/voter educators prior to deployment. An in-depth Capacity Needs Assessment and resulting Capacity Development Action Plan was finalized, enabling a customized revision of training opportunities for IEC staff, as well as a focus on organizational capacity development. Organizational development: ELECT II assisted the IEC in the improvement of strategic and operational/departmental plans, enhancement of intra- and interdepartmental communications and coordination; and strengthening of procedures, guidelines and systems. The Capacity Needs Assessment identified the need to further harmonise internal Standard Operating Procedures (i.e. Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, Logistics, and Assets Management) with In 2013, the IEC trained more than 5,600 permanent and temporary staff members (33% women) to facilitate the VR top-up and increase awareness government rules and regulations and for consistency with the National Implementation Modality (NIM). ELECT II assisted the IEC with the development of a number of 6 On 18 February 2014, the IEC confirmed the final list with maximum 6,775 polling centres, representing 21,663 polling stations, of which 8,958 are for women. Depending on security developments, the ultimate number of opened polling centres could be further reduced. 7 P a g e

14 standard operating procedures (SOP). Moreover, ELECT II initiated in the last part of 2013 capacity assistance and engagement with the newly appointed Commission. In addition, ELECT II continued to enhance the IEC s physical infrastructure by: upgrading security reinforcements at HQ and in the provinces; finalizing the construction of a training centre, relocating and reinforcing the data server room at IEC HQ; and initiated construction of 12 new provincial offices and warehouses to be finished by 2014/2015. IEC Financial Sustainability: In 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with its first ever national budget submission for 2014 to the Ministry of Finance (MoF). This could be seen as a first step to ensure the IEC s sustainability, particularly with regard to its running costs and trainings 7. Furthermore, ELECT II assisted the IEC with the opening of a separate bank account in the name of the IEC. This is step forward for properly enabling the National Implementation Modality (NIM). In late 2013, a Micro Capacity Assessment was initiated to determine the risk assessment for different types of payment modalities, envisaging a combination of financial management tools as NIM advances to the IEC and direct payments by UNDP, leading to long-term capacity building of the IEC in terms of financial processes and a more sustainable national approach of the process. ELECT II, under the leadership of the UNDP Country Office, assisted the IEC with discussions with the Director-General of the Budget Office to regulate the salary structure of IEC staff as per accordance with Afghan Law. Electoral Security: Electoral security issues affected the IEC directly in 2013, with the murder of the IEC Provincial Election Officer (PEO) for Kunduz, Mr. Amanullah Aman on 18 September. ELECT II expresses its sincere condolences to the IEC and to Engineer Aman s family. Also in September, several IEC district VR staff were abducted in Faryab, but were fortunately released unharmed in December. The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ján Kubiš condemned on different occasions electoral-related violence and security incidents, and called upon all concerned to ensure the peaceful completion of the electoral process as it is the fundamental right [of every Afghan citizen] to IEC Provincial Electoral Officer of Kunduz was killed in a targeted assassination on 18 September 2013 IEC constructing its new training centre (2013) Photo by ELECT II express [his/her] democratic will and to vote in an atmosphere free of intimidation and violence 8. 7 On 15 January 2014, the Wolesi Jirga approved the national budget for the IEC and IECC for 2014, respectively US $4,087,000 and $1,786, en-us 8 P a g e

15 Looking Forward: With the assistance of ELECT II, the IEC enters 2014 with an improved electoral framework and enhanced professional capacity to conduct the 5 April Presidential and Provincial Council elections. However, in order to maximize these advantages to the benefit of a more credible, inclusive and democratic electoral process, it is essential that the Constitutionally-mandated independence of the IEC is fully respected. The IEC Board of Commissioners and Secretariat have been vested with the highest responsibility of ensuring the right to vote for all eligible voters, and seeing that each individual s vote, including those of women, are honestly counted, aggregated and translated into final results that reflect the will of the Afghan people. Likewise, the IECC also has a key role in ensuring an opportunity for voters and electoral contestants to seek judicial relief, and ensure election results in accordance with the law. Even though neither the IEC, nor the IECC, have responsibility for security challenges or the broader political environment during the electoral process, they can ensure the highest integrity and professional standards within their respective mandates. By doing so, they can ensure that the competition for political office is conducted in line with the law. This will be greatly facilitated by structured coordination and a collegial approach by both institutions, for the common good of the electoral process. Ultimately elected office is about serving the public interest, and a peaceful transition of power will surely serve the national interest to the highest degree, and usher in a new chapter for Afghanistan s future political life and development. 9 P a g e

16 II. CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND Afghanisation of the electoral process and the role of the United Nations The passage of the two electoral laws as well as the inauguration of the new Commissioners of IEC and IECC underscore the Afghanisation of the electoral process. The upcoming elections are Afghan-managed, Afghan-led and Afghan owned. The role of the United Nations is to support the efforts of Afghan electoral authorities to prepare and conduct credible elections, with an emphasis on sustainability, integrity and inclusiveness. On 19 March 2013, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan until 19 March 2014, which includes a specific focus on elections. UNSC resolution 2096 emphasizes support, at the request of the Afghan authorities, the organization of future Afghan elections, including the 2014 presidential and provincial council elections, as well as to strengthen, in support of the Government of Afghanistan s efforts, the sustainability, integrity and inclusiveness of the electoral process [ ]; and provide capacity building and technical assistance to the Afghan institutions involved in this process 9. Against this background, the UN fielded in January 2013 the second phase of a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) that assessed the parameters of possible election support for the upcoming Presidential and Provincial Council elections in 2014 and Wolesi Jirga elections (Lower House of Parliament) in On 1 July 2013, Mr. Jan Eliasson, UN Deputy Secretary-General, during his visit to the IEC, welcomed the upcoming extension of the ELECT II project, and underscored the importance of electoral preparations in anticipation of the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections. On 19 September 2013, in his briefing to the UN Security Council, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ján Kubiš referred to the importance of the constitutional transfer of power in Afghanistan in 2014, and noted progress on the legal framework and the electoral preparations. UN Deputy Secretary General, Jan Eliasson, meeting former IEC Chairman Manawi (1 July 2013) Photo by ELECT II UN Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ján Kubiš briefing the UN Security Council on 19 September 2013 on Afghanistan. Photo by UNAMA P a g e

17 ELECT II project document extension: The ELECT II project is the technical instrument of the UN to provide support to the electoral process in Afghanistan. Linked to the outcome of the UN Needs Assessment Mission, NAM, as well as the renewed mandate for a UN role to support the electoral process in Afghanistan, UNDP undertook a project document revision in 2013 that extended ELECT II beyond its initial capacity development scope ( ), to include electoral support for the 2014 / 2015 elections. The project extension assessment was also linked to a mid-term review in the first quarter of 2013 of the initial ELECT II project. Endorsed by the Project Board on 12 June 2013, and signed between UNDP and the IEC on 27 August after the establishment of the new Commission, the revised ELECT II Project Document includes seven outputs to deliver electoral support to the conduct of the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections and the 2015 Wolesi Jirga and (possibly) District Council elections, while simultaneously envisaging sustainable capacity development to the IEC and IECC. On 6 September, donor partners pledged their support to the funding of these elections through ELECT II. The shift from inter-elections capacity building to direct electoral support for the preparation and conduct of the 2014 and 2015 elections does not detract from the technical support role that ELECT II plays in achieving the following seven envisaged outputs, further elaborated in this report. On 28 November, ELECT II held an internal review workshop to address project progress, challenges and recommendations. ELECT II project document signing ceremony (Kabul, 27 August 2013) ELECT II photo Output 1 Sustainability of the IEC is enhanced via both its institutional and staff capacity development; Output 2 A sustainable, long-term approach to voter registration in Afghanistan, which also promotes maximum participation of eligible citizens in the 2014 and 2015 elections, is developed and implemented; Output 3 The IEC s engagement and informational outreach with key stakeholders, including the electorate, is enhanced; Output 4 The IEC s operational management functions, and the project support services, are strengthened; Output 5 The conduct of key electoral operations for the 2014 and 2015 elections by the IEC is improved; Output 6 The electoral dispute resolution mechanism is enhanced; Output 7 The media regulatory mechanism for the electoral process is enhanced. 11 P a g e

18 Legislative reform of the electoral framework: 2013 marked the conclusion of protracted legislative reform discussions on the electoral framework. On 17 July 2013, President Karzai signed the Law on Structure, Duties and Authorities of the IEC/IECC (Structures Law), submitted by a Joint Committee of the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House) and Meshrano Jirga (Upper House) on 13 July. The IEC is now a nine-member commission selected for a period of six years, with the Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary selected by the commission membership for a three-year period (maximum two terms). The IECC is now a permanent commission comprised of five members appointed for a period of six years, with no international representatives, as had previously been the case. The legislation also foresees a more consultative appointment process of IEC and IECC Commissioners, with the President making final appointments based on a list of nominees submitted by the respective IEC and IECC Selection Committees. In 2012, ELECT II had provided assistance to the IEC when drafting a first version of the new Electoral Law, underscoring universal principles and international practices. ELECT II senior management (from left to right: Gerald Mitchell, Daniel Hinchcliff, Deryck Fritz, Oskar Lehner, Azhar Malik) Photo by ELECT II On 20 July 2013, President Karzai signed the Electoral Law submitted by the parliamentary Joint Committee of the Wolesi and Meshrano Jirgas on 15 July. Significantly, the new legislation includes: Single Non- Transferable Vote (SNTV) for Wolesi Jirga and all council elections; Out-of-Country voting only if possible (refugees, diplomatic missions); 20% reserved seats for women in Provincial Councils (reduced from 25%); no reserved seat for Hindus/Sikhs in the Wolesi Jirga 10 ; ten Kuchi seats (seven designated constituencies for Kuchi males and three for most voted females nationwide); vote counting to be conducted at polling stations; election complaints adjudicated by a permanent IECC; IEC to announce and publish final results after completion of the vote count and adjudication of complaints; and elaborated provisions for international/domestic observers. Unlike previously, the law does not contain provisions regarding postponement, deferment or suspension of elections. The campaign period for presidential candidates is reduced to 60 days, and for the Wolesi Jirga and provincial councils to 30 days; and new campaign finance thresholds are established (presidential candidates 10 million AFN, Wolesi Jirga 1 million AFN, provincial councils 500,000 AFN). 10 A subsequent Presidential Decree envisages one reserved seat for a Hindu/Sikh representative but this Decree was rejected by the Wolesi Jirga. A Joint Committee of the Wolesi and Meshrano Jirga will further discuss the matter. 12 P a g e

19 IEC and IECC Commissioners: The passage of both laws called for the appointment and establishment of a new Board of Commissioners for both the IEC and IECC respectively. According to the Structures Law, the six-person Selection Committee comprises the: Chairs of Wolesi and Meshrano Jirgas; Chief Justice of Supreme Court; Head of Independent Commission for Oversight of Implementation of Constitution; Head of Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission; and one CSO representative. 11 The Selection Committee short-listed, through an open application process, 27 potential nominees for IEC Commissioners and 15 for IECC Commissioners, which were sent to President Karzai for his final decision. On 29 July 2013, President Karzai selected the following nine IEC Commissioners to replace the previous Commission: Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani (Chairman), Abdul Rahman Hotaki Abdurrahman (Deputy Chair), Gulalai Asakzai Azizullah (Secretary), Sharifa Zurmati Wardak, Sarir Ahmad Barmak, Laila Ahrari, Hussain Gurziwani, Suleiman Hamid, and Mohammed Aziz Bakhtiari. In terms of gender, the new Commission consists of three women and six men, exceeding the legal quota for a minimum of two female Commissioners. In terms of ethnicity, it comprises three Pashtuns, one Tajik, one Hazara, one Uzbek, one Sadat, one Aymaq, and one Nuristani. Furthermore, on 5 August 2013, incumbent IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Ziaulhaq Amarkhil, was officially re-appointed by President Karzai. UN Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ján Kubiš, meeting the newly appointed IEC Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Nuristani (middle), IEC Deputy Chairman Abdurahman Hotaki (left) and Secretary Gulalai Asakzai (right). (Photo credit: UNDP ELECT II) On 16 September 2013, President Karzai appointed the five Commissioners of the IECC for a six-year term: Abdul Saatar Sadaat (Chairman), Rida Azimi (Deputy), Nadir Mohseni (Secretary and Spokesperson), Azizullah Aryafar and Paighambar Qul Doghan. The Commission is ethnically composed of one Pashtun, two Tajik, one Hazara and one Turkmen; and comprises one woman (Ms. Rida Azimi), a former IEC Commissioner in Dr. Mohammad Ali Setegh is Secretary General of the Secretariat. 11 Civil Society Organizations failed to reach a consensus for a candidate to take up the civil society seat on the Selection Committee when it shortlisted 27 nominees to the President for appointment of IEC Commissioners in the end of July. For the selection of 15 nominees of IECC Commissioners more than a month later, it was ultimately agreed that the TEFA president would take the seat of Civil Society in the Selection Committee. 13 P a g e

20 On 4 December 2013, the IEC appointed the five Commissioners of its Media Commission: Ms. Farida Nekzad (Chair), Hashmatullah Radfar (Deputy Chair), Iman Mohammad Warymoch, Abdul Wakil Naibi and Najib Alla Askzai. III. RESULTS OUTPUT 1: Sustainability of the IEC is enhanced via the development of both its institutional and staff capacities As part of the Afghanisation of the electoral process, a major objective of the ELECT II project includes the enhancement of the IEC s capacity to realize long-term technical sustainability; in order for the IEC to be able to organize upcoming elections in a credible, professional and successful manner with ever decreasing external international support. Staff capacity development and organizational strengthening, although reflected below in output 1, relates to efforts and activities across all seven outputs, as every implicit sub-objective in the other six outputs also encompasses an increased capacity development of the IEC. ELECT II advisors contributing to outputs 2 to 6 pass on their knowledge and skills to their counterparts by being embedded on a daily basis at the IEC; they assist the IEC formally and informally with strengthening processes, procedures and practices; explore sustainable ways of implementation of plans; and assist in proper hand-over and archiving developed plans and guidelines, as part of a sustainable knowledge sharing approach. 1.1 Organizational and Staff Capacity Indicators 1.1.a. Perception of IEC staff towards working in the IEC Questions for a staff survey to measure staff perception were developed with ELECT II support at the end of The IEC plans to conduct the survey through an online platform in the first quarter of b. The extent to which the IEC uses data management systems and trend analysis to inform its planning and communication ELECT II explored in 2013 the concept of developing an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning System for IEC management purposes. Vacancies for individual consultants as well as tenders for consulting companies to develop this system for the IEC did not result in suitable candidates to conduct the undertaking. ELECT II therefore decided to focus rather strongly on the deployment of an Archiving and Knowledge Management Advisor for the IEC, as well as the further expansion of an existing operations software -developed in 2012 for the IEC with ELECT II input - to further integrate finance, HR, IT and assets tracking in one system. To facilitate electoral operations, ELECT II initiated in 2013 the development of different software for specific purposes such as: recruitment of district field coordinators, tracking of sensitive electoral 14 P a g e

21 materials (besides a general assets tracking system, implemented in 2012), tally processing, and E-Day reporting. 1.1.c. The extent to which institutional plans are developed and implemented After focus was given in 2012 on the IEC s five-year Strategic Plan, ELECT II provided advice in 2013 to the IEC on the development and implementation of some 30 Standard Operating Procedures and departmental plans to strengthen the IEC s organizational capacity. 1.1.d. Percentage of trained IEC staff who feel they are more effective in their jobs because of training and capacity development opportunities This component is part of the online survey the IEC is planning to conduct in the first part of (see above 1.1.a.) The Capacity Development Assessment that the IEC conducted in early 2013 with assistance from ELECT II identified gaps at both the individual as well as the organizational level. This assessment was used as a basis to further refine the training programs as well as the development of organizational procedures. In general, ELECT II s capacity development support to the IEC encompasses both staff development as well as capacity enhancement at the organizational and institutional level. A key step to ensure enhanced organizational and staff capacity, and to measure the progress in this regard, was the conduct in early 2013 of an allinclusive capacity development assessment (CDA) of IEC. Survey questionnaires for IEC staff were prepared for the very specific Head of the IEC training and Capacity Building Department, Dr. Shahla Haque, conducting a BRIDGE training on voter registration Photo by IEC purpose of acquiring essential data. In addition, all ELECT II advisers assessed the existing capacity in their respective counterpart departments, as well as identifying prevailing gaps and needs. On 30 April, the IEC CDA report was finalized and shared with donor partners. The report assessed both institutional and organizational capacity development needs and corresponding challenges for the IEC. The key findings point to a variety of competency and performance gaps in each of the following respective levels. By the end of 2013, with the arrival of a new training and capacity development advisor, ELECT II assisted the IEC with drafting a questionnaire as part of an online survey. The survey, to be launched in the beginning of 2014, will provide qualitative feedback on the impact of a wide range of ELECT II capacity building efforts of the IEC. The results of the survey will be used as a baseline to measure further capacity development progress at the end of 2014 and P a g e

22 a) Staff Capacity Development In 2013, ELECT II continued to support the IEC with a wide range of capacity building efforts for permanent and temporary staff. Capacity-building is a crossdepartmental undertaking and encompasses all ELECT II Banner of the Provincial Security Officers training (Kabul, advisory support to the IEC. A key 10 September 2013) photo by ELECT II element in this respect has been the embedding of the project within the IEC and the pairing of ELECT II advisors with respective department heads. This concept provides the best transfer of knowledge and skills and knowledge from international experts to IEC staff through on-the-job training and advice. In addition, ELECT II finances and often directly assists the IEC s comprehensive training and capacity building programs for all permanent and long-term temporary staff members. See annex 6-1 for an overview of staff development trainings and programs conducted in In addition, ELECT II also supported the IEC in 2013 with the conduct of direct electoral trainings, in particular for the voter registration, for the thousands of short-term temporary staff (see annex 6-b). In 2013, most ELECT II capacity development efforts mainly target IEC staff at the Secretariat and the provincial offices. With the appointment of the new Commission mid-2013, ELECT II offered its assistance to also provide capacity development programs to the Commissioners. The 2013 IEC s Capacity Development Assessment pointed to a variety of competency and performance gaps at the individual level, such as: performance discrepancies are mostly rooted in shortcomings with regards to professional knowledge and specialized skills of the permanent staff and personnel. Due to the nature of its work with peak operational periods every three to Training of the Call Centre staff at the IEC Media Centre (Kabul, 24 June 2013) Photo by ELECT II four years, the IEC is heavily dependent on temporary or project contractual personnel. Low retention and high turn-over of staff adds to the challenges that the IEC is facing. In response to the findings and recommendations of this CDA report, ELECT II has supported the IEC with the development of a Capacity Development Action Plan (CDAP), which became the basis of refined training programmes. 16 P a g e

23 b) Organizational Capacity Development Besides looking at the professional development of IEC staff members, in 2013, ELECT II also looked into different aspects of IEC s strengthening as an organization. This comprises improvement of strategic and operational/departmental plans, enhancing intra- and interdepartmental communications and coordination, as well as strengthening procedures, guidelines and systems. Before the start of ELECT II, the IEC did not have a strategic plan that outlines its vision, objectives and approach. A recommendation that came out of ELECT (I) s evaluation included the need for enhancing the IEC s cross-departmental communications and coordination. Its organizational departmental structure used to operate as separate units fully siloed from each other. By pairing ELECT II advisors in each department and enhancing both formal and informal cross-departmental communication channels through e.g. establishing regular as well as topic-based joint meetings, ELECT II managed in 2013 to further strengthening the IEC s intra- and interdepartmental communication and coordination, as well as departmental and issue-related procedures, guidelines and systems. The Capacity Development Needs Assessment from early 2013 (see above) underscored organizational capacity gaps that include a certain lack of sufficient policy guidelines, standard operating procedures, outdated or inadequate systems, and unclear administrative and operational processes and procedures. These have been mostly identified as non-training interventions. In 2013, ELECT II and the IEC developed as a result of the Capacity Development Needs Assessment an action plan. This Capacity Development Action Plan (CDAP) covers all the interventions to bridge the gaps and discrepancies at institutional, organizational and individual level. The IEC started with the implementation of the CDAP in July The CDAP include components until December Important aspects of the CDAP included the specification of non-training needs, such as the extensive development/revision and implementation of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), a monitoring plan in line with the Strategic Plan, or high-level policy advice; as well as the further finetuning of different training needs. The CDAP identified in 2013 more than 30 areas for SOPs to be developed and implemented, which are currently in different stages of implementation. Annex 7 provides in detail an integrated training plan to be undertaken at the level of the Commission, Senior Management, and the different departments. See in Annex 8 also an overview of all IEC capacity development activities conducted by ELECT II to date since the inception of the project. c) Institutional Capacity Development: Enhancing the capacity of its staff and improving its systems, planning and implementation capacity are only two components of institutional sustainability. The latter also requires a sound electoral legal and regulatory framework, physical 17 P a g e

24 infrastructure and financial resources and systems (see further below 1.2 and 1.3). 1.2 Legal framework, regulations and Codes of Conduct A robust legal electoral framework, including the structure, authority and duties of the electoral bodies is essential for the IEC and IECC to function as independent and sustainable institutions and focus on their mandate. In 2013, President and Parliament approved a revised Electoral Law as well as a new Structures Law of the IEC/IECC provided both institutions with an improved IEC consultation on the Code of Conduct for Political parties (Kabul, 01 April 2013) ELECT II photo legal foundation upon which to deliver their electoral mandates. ELECT II assisted the IEC during the (protracted) drafting process of the Electoral Law, with input and advice in line with international best practices, and encouraged the IEC to conduct consultations with stakeholders to promote inclusiveness when drafting the new Electoral Law. This also included self-regulatory Codes of Conduct as well as the revision and development of IEC electoral regulations and procedures in a more consultative manner. Indicator: 1.2.a. Number of Electoral regulations developed or revised in line with the electoral legal framework By the end of 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with the development or revision of 14 electoral regulations and 13 electoral procedures, guidelines or policies. In 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with reviewing existing codes, regulations and procedures in line with the new (electoral legislation) legal framework where applicable, and included suggestions from past lessons learnt and best international practices. In 2013, the IEC revised and updated a number of regulations in line with the new laws with assistance from ELECT II, as also shared with its content on the IEC website in Dari, Pashto and English: Regulation on Voter Registration Regulation on Accrediting Political Parties, Independent Candidates, Observer Organizations and Media 18 P a g e

25 Regulation on Registration of Candidates Regulation on Election Campaign Period Regulation on Managing Campaign Finance during 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council Elections Regulation on Polling Regulation on Vote Counting Regulation on Introducing New Vice Presidential Candidate In case of his/her Death, Resignation or Refractory Disease which are Hindrances to his/her Candidacy 12 Regulation on Establishment of Media Commission Regulation on Media Activities during Elections Regulation on Temporary Electoral Staff Recruitment Regulation on Special Guests Attendance at Different Electoral Processes Regulation on Validity Time, Archiving and Destroying Sensitive Electoral Materials Regulation on Tallying, Announcement and Certification of Results (approved in 2014) In addition to the Regulations, the following procedures were also reviewed and finalized in 2013, with ELECT II in a role of providing technical input: DFC Recruitment Guideline for PEOs DFC Guidelines Presidential & Provincial Council IEC ERL Ballot Lottery Procedure National Data and Tally Center Policy Nomination - Vetting Procedures Procedure FOP Counting of Large Ballot Papers Procedures for Destruction of Sensitive Material Procedures for Nomination of Presidential Candidates Procedures for Nomination of Provincial Council Candidates Procedures for Verification of List of Supporters Polling and Counting Procedures 12 Specifics of the Vice-President (VP) Candidates Regulation in case of Demise, Resignation, Sickness or Death, passed by the Commission on 22 September by majority decision, include: a) Prior to 11 November, which is set as end-of-withdrawal period, a VP candidate can withdraw or be dismissed without restrictions. b) After 11 November, a presidential candidate cannot dismiss his/her VP candidate. In case of death, (severe) illness or resignation of a VP candidate, presidential candidates have to present a new VP candidate within 72 hours. A VP candidate who resigns after 11 November cannot be nominated anymore as VP for another presidential candidate. c) In case of death, (severe) illness or resignation of a VP candidate on Election Day or after announcement of results, the (newly elected) president shall appoint a new VP candidate, upon approval by the Wolesi Jirga. It is noteworthy to mention that the regulation only addresses resignation of VP candidates. A resigning presidential candidate could presumably join the ticket of another presidential candidate as a VP candidate. 19 P a g e

26 Under review and/or subject for formal approval by end of 2013: Tally Center Operations and Procedures Manual Audit and Recounts Procedures Provincial Intake and Storage of Materials Procedures Clearance and Audit Procedures Procedures for Database Checking Mechanism for Verification of Candidate Nomination Supporters List Correction Procedures ELECT II also assisted the IEC with review of forms for: Observer Accreditation; Candidate Nomination Application; Political Party and Coalition Endorsement; Symbols; Notice of Withdrawal of Nomination or Endorsement; Campaign Finance; Supporter's Signatures; and others. In total, around 10 electoral regulations and procedures, as well as more than 20 forms, were reviewed throughout To further enhance the institutionalization process, ELECT II also advised the IEC to introduce the concept of standardization of manuals, procedures, and forms, as well as the re-introduction the notion of standardized terminology. 1.2.b. Codes of Conduct developed/revised in a consultative manner By the end of 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with the development of 6 electoral codes of conduct, emphasizing on the consultative approach with stakeholders. For all respective codes of conduct, the IEC solicited input and feedback through different stakeholder consultations, including relevant ministries and government entities. The IEC also held in early 2013 stakeholder discussions with party officials, observer groups and media representatives to discuss respectively their codes of conduct. The ethical code of conduct for electoral officers was extensively discussed with staff in 2012, and also includes recommendations of the IFES Afghanistan Electoral Integrity Assessment Report. IEC consultation meeting on the Media Code of Conduct (Kabul, 27 March 2013) Photo by ELECT II In 2013, the IEC finalized and approved the following codes of conduct: Ethical Code of Conduct for electoral Officers (16 April); Ethical Code of conduct for temporary electoral workers (8 January); Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Coalitions (16 April); 20 P a g e

27 Electoral Code of Conduct for Candidates (16 April); Electoral Code of Conduct for Media (16 April); Electoral Code of Conduct for Observers (19 May) In addition, the IEC drafted ethical codes of conduct for both Governmental Authorities and Civil Servants, as well for Law Enforcement Entities. On 3 October 2013, based on the draft documents approved by the Commission, President Karzai endorsed: The Presidential Decree on the electoral Code of Conduct for Governmental Authorities and Civil Servants, and The Presidential Decree on electoral Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Entities 1.3 Physical infrastructure and security Indicators 1.3.a. Number of IEC newly constructed well-functioning and secured provincial offices In 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with the finalization of security upgrades in 10 provinces, as well as the construction of provincial offices and warehouses in 5 provinces (in progress). Revised planning was done for 4 different provincial offices. 1.3.b. Number of additional permanent infrastructure construction works at HQ level In 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with its construction and/or refurbishment at its HQ of a training centre, and an additional warehouse, and a new server room; besides the undertaking of a wide range compound refurbishments and security upgrades. 1.3.c. The extent to which security at IEC premises (HQ/provinces) is established In 2013, ELECT II continued to enhance the IEC s physical infrastructure by: upgrading security reinforcements at IEC HQ and in 10 provincial premises; finalizing the construction of a training centre, relocating and reinforcing the data server room at IEC HQ; and initiated construction of 12 new provincial offices and warehouses. Part of the long-term sustainability plan for the IEC is the ownership of safe and secure premises in Kabul and the provinces. ELECT II, by deploying a significant team of international and national engineers, is closely involved with the different quality assurance steps related to construction of buildings. This includes all phases, from drawings Construction of the IEC Training Centre of the plans and development of thorough bidding (Kabul, March 2013) Photo by ELECT II requirements, to field monitoring in conjunction with IEC engineers. 21 P a g e

28 A major undertaking completed in 2013 was the construction of a training centre at HQ, which can accommodate the training of all IEC permanent staff as well as the large numbers of temporary staff that are Construction of the IEC Training Centre (Kabul, March 2013) Photo by ELECT II recruited in the upcoming periods for different electoral operations (such as Civic and Voter Educators, District Field Coordinators, Polling Day Assistants, and others). Also in 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with the re-establishment of a new IT server room within HQ, which meets all technical and security requirements. Since this room stores all essential data, the new room is fully reinforced. Furthermore at HQ, ELECT II and IEC engineers continued with the upgrade of security walls and entrance points for staff and visitors at its HQ. To improve the security of the IEC, ELECT II assisted the IEC in the cooperation with the Afghan National Police, which guards the premises; the drafting of different security Standard Operating Procedures; and the establishment of an unarmed internal IEC guard force that was trained and deployed. In the provinces, proper (and secure) ownership of premises is also a means towards IEC long-term sustainability. Ownership of buildings eliminates the cost of rent and therefore helps to achieve longterm financial sustainability. This also eliminates any actual or perceived conflict of interest with landlords during sensitive electoral times. Therefore, the project strongly supports the IEC with acquiring its own land in the provinces to build offices and warehouses. In 2013, ELECT II Reinforcement of IEC Data Server Room supported the IEC with the construction planning (Kabul, April 2013) Photo by ELECT II and bidding for provincial offices and/or warehouses in the provinces. In the first 22 P a g e

29 phase, nine main provinces are targeted that serve as regional centres for adjacent provinces. These provinces are Herat (office and warehouse construction), Daikundi (office and warehouse), Paktya (office and warehouse), Khost (office and warehouse), Jawjzan (office and warehouse), Balkh (office and warehouse), Nangarhar (warehouse construction only), Bamyan (warehouse only) and Laghman (warehouse only). Plans for construction of the Kabul Province regional office will be part of a separate phase. Construction achievements in 2013 include the security upgrade for 10 provinces: Saripul, Jawzjan, Samangan, Bamyan, Daikundi, Uruzgan, Farah, Wardak, Laghman, and Nangarhar. Construction works that are 100% completed at IEC HQ include the training center; office and K-span warehouse refurbishment; security upgrade of the west wall of the IEC Compound; two reinforced concrete bunkers; repair of fire damaged K-span warehouse; fuel tank for generator house, and generic compound repairs The timeline for construction of provincial offices and warehouses has been rescheduled in 2013 due to different technical, architectural and procurement challenges. Instead of spring 2014, it is expected that the following constructions from the first phase will be completed by end of ) Herat (Office and Warehouse): construction well underway and on schedule 2) Laghman (Warehouse): construction commenced in November ) Nangarhar (Warehouse): construction commenced end of ) Mazar (Office and Warehouse): Tender technical evaluation complete, contractor approved, actual construction to start in ) Jawzjan (Office and Warehouse): construction underway 6) Paktia (Office and Warehouse): delay; re-launch of bidding process; actual construction to start in 2014 (awaiting improvement weather conditions). 7) Khost (Office and Warehouse): delay; new invitation to bidding had to be launched by end of 2013; actual construction to start in ) Laghman (Warehouse): construction commenced in November ) Daikundi (Office and Warehouse): delay; still in the stage of planning. Invitation to bidding re-launched end of 2013 In the meantime, ELECT II is also assisting the IEC with construction plans for the following locations as part of the second phase: 10) Bamyan (Warehouse): construction to be started after winter ) Farah (Office and warehouse): construction to be started after winter ) Wardak (Warehouse): construction to be started after winter 2014 Furthermore, ELECT II is supporting the IEC with different security upgrades and adjustments of the premises in almost all other provinces. At the same time, with ELECT II input on processes and procedures, the IEC established in 2013 an unarmed internal guard force, strengthened security procedures, and initiated a coordination platform with MoI, MoD and security forces. 23 P a g e

30 1.4 Gender mainstreaming See the Chapter IV. Gender Specific results EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR During 2013, a total of USD 6,797,383 was spent for this output. For more details, please see Annex P a g e

31 Below is a snapshot of where ELECT II is in relation to its annual targets Table 1: Progress Update 2013 Output BASELINE 2013 ANNUAL TARGETS Baseline 1.1.a: NA Baseline 1.1.b. no structural database system established in the past to institutionalize a systematic way electoral data Baseline 1.1.c: No Strategic Plan in place. Significant part of IEC s operation lack internal SOPs. Baseline 1.1.d: individual staff development plans does not exist in Baseline 1.2.a: all existing electoral regulations are applicable for revision in case of a new electoral legal framework 1.1.a: (2013): perception of staff towards the IEC on the specified dimensions increased from year to year 1.1.b: (2013) The database is developed and database populated 1.1.c (2013) SOPs for all relevant business areas prepared and implemented; 1.1.d. (2013): 70 % of the staff trained in 2013 feel that that they are more effective in their job because of the offered training and capacity building opportunities; (2013) Training tailored and modified according to assessments and survey 1.2.a: (2013): updating of electoral regulations and procedures with regard to the voter registration process ( ): revision of 2013 ACTUAL COMMENTS 1.1.a IEC 2013 staff survey will be conducted in Q b. ELECT II moved away from the concept of developing an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning system, but initiated in 2013 the concept of a knowledge management and archiving system for the IEC, in addition to reconsidering an expansion of a the existing software tool for operations support (developed for the IEC by ELECT II in 2011/2012) 1.1.c. Status of SOPs in CDAP annex d. Conduct of a Capacity Development Assessment and related CDAP, as a base for revision of 2013 IEC training plan. 1.2.a/b. See list with all revised electoral regulations, procedures and codes of conduct In general IEC Capacity Development efforts On Track 1.1. a. Implementation of staff survey moved forward to Q given conflicting priorities due to election preparations 1.1. b. Knowledge and archiving system as well as revision of integrated operations management software will be the base to institutional database systems 1.1.c. SOP development and implementation on track 1.1.d. Regular staff training: on track although diminished until Q due to electoral operations and specific trainings (temp staff) On Track 25 P a g e

32 Baseline 1.2.b: All relevant codes of conduct, regulations and procedures need revision. Baseline 1.3.a: The IEC owns five offices and warehouses in the provinces Baseline 1.3.b: At HQ, existing space for training and data centre is not useable anymore Baseline 1.3.c: Physical security of IEC premises weak at several provincial offices and need to be reviewed at HQ level; Weak security access SoPs; No IEC guard force exists. Access to IEC HQ controlled by ANP. electoral regulations and procedures for electoral operations related to 2014 and 2015 elections 1.2.b: (2013): codes of conduct for ethical/electoral Codes of Conducts for Electoral Officers, Observers, Media, Political Parties, Security Forces reviewed and finalized in a consultative manner 1.3.a: (2013): Construction of first batch (9) of provincial premises (offices and warehouses) completed for at least 70% 1.3.b: ( ) Construction of the training centre, data centre and security upgrades to the IEC HQ undertaken COMPLETED (100%) in 2013: Security upgrade for 10 provinces: Saripul, Jawzjan, Samangan, Bamyan, Daikundi, Orozgan, Farah, Wardak, laghman, and Nangharhar, Training center Office / K Span Warehouse Refurbishment" (Asset Warehouse) - IEC Compound upgrade West Wall 2 Reinforced Bunkers in IEC HQ Repair of Fire Damaged K Span Warehouse in IEC Kabul Compound Fuel Tank for Gen House IEC HQ Repairs of Manholes at IEC HQ Server room IEC HQ (90%) IN PROGRESS: [see details in narrative section] Construction Started: Herat, (Office and Warehouse), Laghman (Warehouse), Nangarhar (Warehouse), Jawzjan (Office and Warehouse), Laghman (Warehouse) 1.3.a/b revision of timeline and planning for construction of provincial offices and warehouses new schedule: 12 provincial offices and warehouses ready by end of c. On Track: Security remains a concern, despite progress made in Further close cooperation between IEC security and internal unarmed guard force, ANP protection, and UNDP/ELECT II security remains a must. Upgrades of security upgrades at IEC HQ ongoing progress. 26 P a g e

33 1.4 Gender Mainstreaming (See 3.4) REVISED PLANNING: Mazar (Office and Warehouse), Paktia (Office and Warehouse), Khost (Office and Warehouse), Daikundi (Office and Warehouse) NEW: Added to schedule construction to start in 2014:Bamyan (Warehouse), Farah (Office and warehouse), Wardak (Warehouse) 1.3: IEC Unarmed internal guard force established; strengthened SOPs; coordination platform IEC security, UNDP (ELECT II) security, ANP (armed protection) initiated / established 27 P a g e

34 OUTPUT 2: A sustainable, long-term approach to voter registration in Afghanistan, which also promotes maximum participation of eligible citizens in the 2014 and 2015 elections, is developed and implemented Voter registration in a male centre in Bamyan (22 August 2013) Photo by ELECT II Voter registration in a female centre in Bamyan (22 August 2013) Photo by ELECT II The right to vote is the most basic element of a democratic election system. From the individual s right to vote follows a duty of the election administration to facilitate effective exercise of that right through the registration of voters. The 2013 voter registration top-up exercise has been the first major electoral operation for the IEC and ELECT II, of the new electoral cycle for the 2014 and 2015 elections, with a primary focus on registering newly eligible and first-time voters. ELECT II was closely involved in the conceptual planning, as well as detailed operational planning, 28 P a g e

35 from procurement and packing of materials, to movement and tracking of materials. The project also assisted the IEC with ensuring that gender-awareness was a key element being incorporated into different aspects of the VR planning, including the establishment of separate registration centres for women. ELECT II advisors further supported the IEC with public outreach initiatives to inform voters of their rights and encourage them to register, with a particular focus on women and youth Voter Registration Indicators 2.1.a Number of new eligible voters enfranchised with voter ID cards By the end of 2013, during the voter registration top-up exercise, more than 3.4 million voter ID cards had been issued, crossing the total envisaged minimum target of 3 million new registrants. 2.1.b Percentage of women registered as new voters Female registration turnout by the end of 2013 was around 34.5%, crossing the project s minimum envisaged target of 30% female registrants. While 2013 commenced with the rejection by the GIRoA on 2 January of the IEC s second VR plan to revalidate all previously issued VR cards (in addition to a full registration exercise of new voters), consensus was soon reached amongst partners on a third IEC VR plan that envisaged a top-up exercise only. This concluded the protracted discussions in 2012 between the IEC, the government and the international community, whereby differences of opinion on this fundamental issue resulted in a compromise for a top-up exercise only. Existing voter registration cards distributed earlier for previous elections remain valid. This reality also altered the scope of Output 2 during the project document revision in the first half of 2013, moving away from the envisaged qualitative establishment of a uniform voter registry towards a longer-term approach of a voter register to be derived in the future from a (to be established) electronic civil registry.. Earlier, in 2012, the IEC first and second planning envisaged a new nationwide voter registration (and validation) campaign to enhance electoral integrity, thereby linking registered voters to polling centers and serving as a foundation for a national- 29 P a g e

36 centralized voter registry. This approach was based on recommendations of a 2012 UNDP-sponsored feasibility study, and was intended to address recommendations regarding past VR practices and concerns, including from domestic and international election observers. The IEC s initial plans were not uniformly accepted, including amongst some donor partners, and the GIRoA ultimately rejected the proposal in favor of a longer-term solution: the national electronic ID card (e-tazkira) intended as multi-purpose identification. As mentioned in the Secretary-General Report on Afghanistan of 5 March 2013, the e-tazkira effort is an important national process that must be supported by the international community and may contribute to electoral preparations. With the use of old voter registration cards and the top-up exercise expected to add additional cards to the mix, and given that the project may not be completed by the 2014 elections, it is unlikely that there will be significant improvements to voter identification for the elections. Politically, the decision-making process on voter registration was damaging to perceptions of the independence of the Independent Election Commission. Recognition of and respect for the separation of powers and mandated authority of the various institutions is vital. 13 The current VR top-up campaign only targets those citizens who: a) will be 18 years of age by 5 April, 2014; b) have recently returned to the country; c) have moved from one electoral constituency to another; d) have lost or damaged their old VR cards; and e) are eligible voters who have not obtained VR cards in the past. In this respect, voters with an eligible old voter ID card, as well as those in possession of a national electronic ID card (e-tazkira), as relevant, are not required to register for the new VR card. This approach is overall consistent with a UN Needs Assessment Mission (NAM), concluded in January 2013, which emphasized: a) acceptability to stakeholders; b) inclusiveness; and c) technical feasibility. Information and technology voter registration training on use of solar panels (Kabul, 23 June 2013) Photo by ELECT II In this respect on 26 May 2013, the IEC successfully commenced the first phase of the top-up voter registration (VR) campaign at provincial level. According to its VR P a g e

37 operational plan, the IEC opened at least one VR centre in all provincial capitals; with Kabul, Jalalabad, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Kunduz having more than one VR centre. In total 41 VR provincial-level centres were opened, consisting of 82 VR stations (41 for men and 41 for women). These VR centres will facilitate ongoing registration until two weeks prior to the 2014 elections. On 27 July 2013, the IEC launched the second phase of the registration, expanding operations from 41 provincial-level VR centres to an extra 395 district-level VR centres (out of 399 districts). The opening of these district centres was a success, with 381 opened from the first day (95%), including many districts that were inaccessible to the IEC in Within a few weeks, the IEC was able to conduct voter registration operations in all district centres except a few. 14 On 17 September, the IEC officially decided to extend the district level campaign for 45 days until 10 November. The participation of female voters in particular was a key focus and reason for the expansion of the operation. The decision also widened the scope of the campaign by deploying mobile registration centers from the district centres into other populated but more remote district areas. Of all the 436 provincial and district voter registration centres (41 provincial centres and 395 district centres), 353 were identified to have mobile capacity. These mobile units were accompanied by civic/voter educators, permitting direct transmission of voter registration and candidate nomination information to eligible voters and potential candidates. Furthermore, where each voter registration centre used to comprise one male and one female station, the IEC added 64 extra stations, reinforcing several voter registration centres with extra male or female stations. Based on estimates of the Central Statistics Organization, the IEC envisaged that in total around 4 million voters may be entitled to a new Voter registration material demonstration (Kabul, 10 February 2013) Photo by ELECT II VR card prior to the 5 April 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections. By the end of 2013, during this top-up exercise, almost 3.4 million voter ID cards had been issued. The IEC s efforts to engage more women in the registration process, has resulted in a notably improved trend in the number of women registering as voters as the voter registration campaign progressed throughout In the initial months of the VR campaign, the number of women registering hardly reached 20%. However, after the district-level campaign, in particular when mobile teams were deployed, 14 Of the 399 planned district registration centres, only four could not be opened at all due to security constraints: Nawa (Ghazni), Kakar (Zabul), and Baghrana nd Deh-e-shu (Helmand). There were in addition substantial security issues in Alasai (Kapisa), Naka (Paktika), Khogyani (Ghazni), and Waygal and Kamdesh (Nuristan), leading to a delayed or interrupted opening of voter registration centres but not completely undermining the process. 31 P a g e

38 female registration turnout reached almost 35%. (See Annex 9 for VR top-up figures per province) ELECT II was closely involved in assisting the IEC with the planning of different conceptual VR approaches, and once it became apparent that the IEC would only conduct a VR top-up exercise, ELECT II assisted the detailed VR operations plan to meet this objective. ELECT II also assisted coordination with security forces for protection and movement of materials when needed, as well as procurement and packing of materials. ELECT II advised the IEC to improve the integrity of the new VR cards through the inclusion of enhanced security features, such as: a registered IEC hologram; the guilloche pattern which is difficult to reproduce; micro-text; and other anti-fraud features. ELECT II also ensured that gender-sensitive perspectives were considered and included in all plans, as well as during the implementation of the campaign. ELECT II s Gender Advisor was therefore closely involved in the planning discussions related to voter registration. She also supported the efforts of the IEC Gender Unit in this regard, and played a prominent role in engaging with stakeholders on the issue. With the support of ELECT II, the IEC commenced a series of Gender and Elections coordination meetings, during which the registration of women voters was a key topic for discussion. (See below under the section Gender). ELECT II also ensured that a strong gender aspect has been integrated in all public outreach activities. (See below under the section Public Outreach.) Voter Registration Observation On 14 August and 26 August 2013, respectively, the accredited national electoral observation organizations Free and Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan (FEFA) and Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA) released their first monitoring reports reflecting their observations of the first phase of the voter registration process in the provincial capitals from 26 May until 27 July. Key observations, reportedly witnessed by both organizations, though not always to the same degree, refer to: 1) insecurity that affected turnout and sometimes the opening of certain VR Billboard calling upon young male and female voters to centres; 2) violation of VR procedures register (Bamyan, August 2013) Photo by ELECT II in certain centres, in particular the verification of valid identification documents and age; and 3) culturally not always the 32 P a g e

39 most appropriate choice of location for female registration stations. According to their observations, a main reason for the low level of women s participation at the start of the first phase, was due to the fact that registration sites for women had been established in inappropriate locations far from women s homes, in places mostly frequented by men, or near security installations. Commuting to such sites is culturally problematic in many areas, in addition to security considerations. In certain cases, lack of female police in female VR sites was also reportedly a factor discouraging women from registering. Key recommendations for increased female participation, therefore, include more women-specific public awareness programmes, maintaining security of female sites by female police, and appropriate location of female sites in the context of Afghan culture and traditions. Both observation organizations further recommend a more thorough verification of valid identification cards and age; improved control mechanisms to be instituted by the IEC to observe impartiality of staff; increased efforts of security forces to preserve security at voter registration centres; and an increased participation in the observation process by international partners. The IEC viewed these observer reports as a meaningful and constructive contribution to the process. Though the cases of irregularities that are substantiated need to be addressed, in the overall perspective, the number of shortcomings would appear to be of an isolated nature, rather than systematic. In response to concerns that sometimes voter registration cards had been distributed to people without possession of a national ID card, the IEC cited the fact that many Afghans, especially in rural areas, do not always possess proper documentation papers. Informal ways of validation of identity, nationality and age, in line with IEC procedures and verified by IEC staff, can in some cases be the only solution to give every eligible Afghan the right to vote. The lack of proper identification documents have been a problem faced in all previous registration Voter registration (Kunduz, 26 May 2013) Photo by ELECT II rounds, starting from The IEC has paid close attention to this, but a lack of documentation also implies that community identification can be acceptable as well. Under-aged registration has also been an issue in the past. In line with the electoral law, IEC officials have been instructed to issue cards also to young voters who are currently not yet 18 but will be by 5 April 2014, the scheduled day for polling. 33 P a g e

40 Regarding female participation, with the assistance of ELECT II, the IEC conducted its own trend analysis to take. It did take different measures and actions to better engage women in the process, as mentioned before. The IEC has further enhanced its monitoring plan for both the registration process, as well the civic/voter education exercise e-tazkira synergies Indicator: the extent to which the IEC engages in on-going dialogue with MoI to ensure that the e-tazkira long-term database can also serve as a long-term solution for the generation of a VR database. In 2013, the IEC convened meetings with MoI, MoCIT, and MoI, focusing on a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate the electronic national ID card (etazkira) as a valid voter identification document, as relevant. All parties involved are currently awaiting the establishment by Parliament of the legal framework around the e-tazkira. A major outcome of the VR discussions in 2012 between the IEC and ELECT II, and the GIRoA and international partners, was that priority would be given to the establishment of a multi-purpose electronic national ID card (e-tazkira) by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Communications and Technology. This approach was favored over a new nation-wide voter registration exercise. The e-tazkira project instead, would produce in the mid-term to longer-term, a sustainable civil registry from which a voter registry subsequently could be extracted. In this respect, the IEC has been engaged in on-going dialogue with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Communications and IT (MoCIT), to ensure the appropriate and necessary synergies are in place to enable the e-tazkira database as a long-term solution whereby the voter registry would be extracted from the civil registry. This will require a system for regularly updating the civil registry and transferring the data to the IEC, in terms of removing deceased persons from the civil registry, and recording events such as marriages, change of name, change of address, etc., if the voter register is to also be maintained accurately. Ultimately, the IEC will still have the legal responsibility to ensure that any future extract of the civil registry will serve as an accurate and updated extract for the purposes of the voter registry, thereby ensuring the right to vote of all eligible Afghan voters. In June 2013, the IEC convened a meeting with MoI, MoCIT, and the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The meeting focused on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IEC, MoI, MoF, and MoCIT. The IEC agreed to a pilot of the electronic national ID card (e-tazkira) project for Kabul province, conducted by MoI, whereby the e-tazkira would be a valid voter identification document to the degree it was issued. To this end, all parties were looking forward to the Parliament establishing the legal framework around the e-tazkira. Until the end of 34 P a g e

41 2013, there had not yet been any consensus between the Wolesi and Meshrano Jirga on a draft Law, in particular on the question of inclusion of ethnicity in the database. Therefore, by the end of 2013, it appeared that such a pilot of the e-tazkira in Kabul province would be unrealistic in terms of the upcoming 2014 elections. However, the IEC committed to accepting the e-tazkira, in addition to all IEC issued voter registration cards, as a valid voting card in future elections, as relevant depending on progress. Furthermore, it was agreed that in the longer-term, once the e-tazkira is issued in other provinces, it shall be used as a standard voting card in lieu of all VR cards previously issued by the IEC. The IEC also agrees it will work in full coordination with the MoI. The IEC intends to sign the MoU once the legal framework of the e-tazkira is in place. 35 P a g e

42 EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR During 2013, a total of USD 20,608,171 was spent for this output. For more details, please see Annex 2. Below is a snapshot of where ELECT II is in relation to its annual targets Table 2: Progress Update 2013 Output BASELINE Baseline 2.1.a: 500,000 new voter ID cards were issued during the 2009/10 top-up exercise; only conducted at provincial capital level and following a wide-scale registration campaign in 2008 that issued 4.5 million VR cards. Baseline 2.1.b: previous voter registration campaigns appeared to have unreliable percentages of women Baseline 2.2: to be defined once the e- tazkira project is established and implemented 2013 ANNUAL TARGETS 2.1.a: (2013) 1.5 million new voters are enfranchised with new VR cards 2.1.b. (2013): 30 % of the newly registered voters are women 2.2: (2013) to be defined upon establishing e- tazkira registration project 2013 ACTUAL COMMENTS 2.1.a. At the end of 2013, almost 3.4million people registered far overreaching the annual target and already meeting the implicit general target for this VR topup. The IEC was able to open 41 VR centres in 34 provincial capitals and addition to 395 VR centres of 399 districts, including deployment of mobile teams to reach further out. 2.1.b. At the end of 2013, female VR turnout almost reached 35%, after a hesitant start (<15% May/June - 20% July/August - 30% September 30-35% October-December). IEC enhanced its external relations and public outreach efforts to engage women conducted (civic educators, provincial consultations, voter information call centre, etc.), in particular during the district level VR topup 2.2Meeting in June 2013 between IEC, MoI, MoCIT, and MoF that produced a draft MoU between all four agencies to pilot e-tazkira in Kabul upon legal framework in place On track: limited VR topup remain ongoing in 2014 in 41 provincial centres until 2 weeks prior to E-day. Physical verification of all forms initiated at IEC HQ Awaiting approval legal framework around e- tazkira 36 P a g e

43 OUTPUT 3: The IEC s engagement and informational outreach with key stakeholders and the electorate is enhanced Sufficient voter information and civic education is necessary to ensure voters are fully informed of their rights and responsibilities as voters. Outreach initiatives can also ensure that voters have at least a basic understanding of the overall political process, and offices and institutions to be elected to ultimately serve the public interest. Significantly, ELECT II is supporting the IEC with the development and implementation of an integrated three-pronged information and public-engagement campaign being implemented through three IEC focal points: the Public Outreach Department; the External Relations Department; and the Gender Unit. IEC billboard posted nationwide in July 2013 to encourage male and female first time voter to register. During 2013, the IEC s information and public engagement campaign essentially focused on legal and regulatory reform issues, voter registration and candidate nomination. Attention was also given to laying a foundation for the public information initiatives for the upcoming electoral campaign and polling period. Informational and motivational messages were delivered through broadcast media, underpinned by the deployment of 864 voter educators deployed at district level around the country, as well as a series of nationwide provincial seminars on electoral participation, with a particular focus on women s participation. In addition, in order to better inform the informational and outreach campaign, the IEC designed and implemented (with ELECT II support), a public opinion survey and stakeholder assessment implemented during the second half of This also gave IEC s a greater understanding of the Afghan electorate s knowledge and perceptions of the electoral process in order to fine-tune its messaging campaign and to better address certain segments of the electorate (women, youth, minorities, disabled). The IEC also commenced a series of stakeholder consultations in 2013, starting in July with a high-level consultation on public outreach initiatives, which included a 37 P a g e

44 range of senior governmental, diverse non-governmental actors and media representatives. These coordination meetings continued periodically at the working level, with a focus on civil society networks, political party / candidate representatives and national security agencies on electoral security issues. The IEC has emphasized that effective election-related informational campaigns cannot be delivered exclusively by the IEC, and has called upon civil society and other partners to assist in distributing its messages, to further amplify its informational and motivational campaign for credible, inclusive and democratic elections. 3.1 Public Outreach Indicators 3.1.a: Means of different public outreach methods developed and implemented by the IEC In 2013, with significant ELECT II support, the IEC developed a public outreach strategy for the voter registration top-up campaign, the candidate registration process, and the upcoming elections, which includes the following components: 10 radio and TV PSAs (in Dari and Pashto); the establishment of a voter information call centre; nationwide posting of 500 billboards and 5,000 pole signs; the conduct of some 100 seminars, workshops and consultation sessions with a wide range of stakeholders (including religious leaders, women networks, etc.) at the national, regional, provincial and district level; the deployment of 864 civic and voter educators to conduct face-to-face meetings; the distribution of some 1,000,000+ printed materials; the use of social media; and gender specific programmes including, but not limited, the establishment of a Gender and Elections Coordination Group. 3.1.b: Number of public outreach activities that specifically target women In 2013, with ELECT II input, the IEC conducted 5 High Level Gender and Elections Coordination meetings at national level; 8 regional workshops with youth and 34 provincial youth meetings on gender; and 34 provincial stakeholder seminars community/leaders and mullahs with where also women s participation was addressed, including a full day meeting with influential women and women s networks. In all other IEC stakeholder meetings, seminars or workshops, significant attention was given to gender sensitive issues. 241 female civic and voter educators focused on womenspecific face-to-face meetings, while the IEC also developed a radio and TV PSA, as well as printed materials (200,000), specifically encouraging women s participation in the electoral process. 3.1.c: Number of participants reached through direct public outreach activities The 34 provincial seminars conducted with community/leaders and mullahs (day1) and women (day2) addressed between participants per day per province. Likewise, the 8 regional workshops with youth and 34 provincial youth meetings on gender were reaching out to 50 to 200 young people per meeting per day. Some 500,000+ people called Call Centre in 2013, of which 38 P a g e

45 circa 10% were women; 864 Civic Educators deployed for face-to-face interactions; estimated to have reached out to thousands of people. 3.1.d: Number of participants reached through indirect public outreach activities Approx. 2.7 million and 16.7 million people were recurrently reached through 10 TV and radio PSAs, respectively. In 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with the development and finalization of a Public Outreach strategy for the voter registration top-up exercise, focused on developing targeted messaging through direct and indirect approaches and media, and with a special focus on women and youth. The Public Outreach strategy is based on the following principles: improved quality of outreach materials, including TV and radio public IEC public outreach materials (Bamyan, 23 August 2013) Photo by ELECT II service announcements (PSAs); IEC brand development, visual identity (logo), and slogan ( Rayey Shumah Eyenday Shumah or Your Vote Your Future ). In order to better inform the informational and outreach campaign, the IEC designed and implemented with ELECT II support, a public opinion survey and stakeholder assessment implemented during the second half of This also gave IEC s IEC public outreach materials (Bamyan, 23 August 2013) Photo by ELECT II a greater understanding of the Afghan electorate s knowledge and perceptions of the electoral process in order to fine-tune its messaging campaign and to better address certain segments of the electorate (women, youth, minorities, disabled). Public Outreach comprises direct and indirect methodologies. Direct approaches include: civic and voter educators conducting face-to-face informational sessions, primarily at district level; community-based seminars and consultations with voters at provincial level; and the establishment of an IEC Voter Information - Call Centre. Indirect public outreach methods included: TV and radio PSAs, installation of billboards and pole signs around the country, and the distribution of other 39 P a g e

46 informational printed materials (posters, leaflets and brochures). In addition to more traditional forms of media, the IEC also incorporated some new media approaches into its public outreach campaign including social internet forums. The IEC also gave special attention to a series of provincial seminars on electoral participation in the democratic process. These community-based IEC initiatives engaged community and religious leaders, as well as women s and youth networks, primarily underscoring the importance of women s participation in the electoral process as voters, candidates, elections administrators and election observers. A sub-theme focused on the fact that women s participation in civic and political life is consistent with Afghanistan s cultural norms and religious principles. Some of these seminars also had a special emphasis on youth participation, particularly in the context of the IEC s top-up voter registration efforts aimed primarily and first-time and newly registered voters. a. Direct Public Outreach 1. Provincial seminars In a specific effort to achieve significant female participation, the IEC initiated 17 local seminars that were held early in 2013 in Kabul province with religious leaders and women groups, and the IEC expanded this concept to all the provinces in the second half of the year with a round of provincial seminars on inclusive elections. These two-pronged provincial seminars included a day with community and religious leaders, and one with influential/youth women s networks respectively. Both seminars were well attended (up to 300 participants per day), and aimed to increase electoral awareness and engagement, in particular of women. In most instances, high level officials, including the provincial governors, heads of provincial councils, governors, mullahs, female provincial council members, and heads of local offices of the Ministry of Women Affairs were in attendance. Each seminar featured working groups, where participants brainstormed and discussed how the message of elections and their importance could be best spread through different mechanisms. The seminars also received wide attention in local and national media, enhancing the IEC s outreach efforts. Main topics of discussions included: participants motivation to become multipliers in spreading the election message; importance of female participation; outreach as a national process; importance of elections, importance of participation; technical details on the registration process, criteria, eligibility; candidate nomination. 40 P a g e

47 Also in Kabul, the IEC Kabul Provincial Office, with assistance of ELECT II, conducted a two-day public outreach workshop (16-17 September) for the elders, community leaders, female activists, female organizations, female leaders and religious readers. The aim of the workshop was to get support to inform people on the up-coming electoral process, and the importance of their participation in the political process of the country. In December, the IEC further conducted regional seminars with youth in 7 regional centres: Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Paktia, Jalalabad, Kunduz, Bamyan, and Mazar. These seminars focused on the roles and responsibilities of youth in the upcoming elections. Approximately 400 male and female students attended each seminar, while media attention was given to coverage of the seminars. They were conducted in close coordination with the Ministry of Information and its Culture s Youth Affairs section. IEC leaflet distributed by civic and voter educators to encourage men and women to participate in the voter registration (2013)- Picture by IEC Meanwhile nationwide gender-focused youth seminars were conducted in all provinces in late 2013, on 4-5 December, with a particular focus on young women s participation in the electoral process, as voters, candidates, election administrators and observers. The model for the seminars was also two back-to-back one day seminars, focused on women s groups and networks one day, and separately a second day focusing on men s sensitization to women s electoral participation with community and religious leaders. 2. Voter Information Call Center Since the launch of the IEC s Voter Information Call Centre in mid-2013, until the end of the year, the Call Center received more than 700,000 calls from the public at large, with questions on the electoral process, of which around 10% were from women. The Call Centre responds to voter queries every day from 7 am to 8pm. The IEC has been reviewing measures to further promote women s utilization of the call centre, including more targeted airing of the PSAs giving information about the Call Center and how to access it. Photo: IEC Voter Information Call Centre (August 2013) Photo credit: IEC 41 P a g e

48 3. Civic and Voter Educators In 2013, the IEC deployed for the VR campaign 864 (623 male and 241 female) Civic and Voter Educators in all districts. They were trained and monitored by 76 Provincial Trainers (33 females), and conducted direct face-to-face communitybased meetings, mostly at district level, for the transfer of voter education information and corresponding materials (leaflets, brochures and factsheets). These Civic and Voter Educators also facilitated IEC provincial seminars. For the elections, the IEC will almost double the number of civic educators in Mobile theatres In 2013, the IEC initiated preparations to establish mobile theatre groups to further reach out in 2014 to voters, in particular illiterate people, in the weeks before the elections. The mobile theatre scripts will emphasize the importance of elections in the democratic process, from a practical perspective of a voter s ability to influence his or her future. ELECT II initiated procurement assistance to the IEC. b. Indirect Public Outreach 1. Radio and TV Public Service Announcements (PSA) In 2013, the IEC has launched a series of radio and TV PSA s in both Dari and Pashto to reach out to a large segment of the electorate, including a) messages on the commencement of voter registration (May); b) voter registration eligibility criteria (June); c) launch of the second phase of the VR district level top-up campaign (July), d) the importance of women s participation in the electoral Filming of PSA (Kabul, 08 October 2013) Photo by ELECT II processes (July/August); e) the voter information Call Centre (August-ongoing), f) the announcement of the candidate nomination period (September), g) the continuation of the VR at provincial level (December ongoing), h) the mandate of the IEC (December-ongoing), i) challenges period for candidate nomination (October- November); j) IEC mandate, and k) motivational messages for women and youth (December ongoing). The following samples of TV PSAs can be viewed online: (Start of the VR: Dari) (Eligibility Criteria: Pashto) (Women s participation: Dari) (women s participation: Pashto) 42 P a g e

49 (VR districts: Pashto) (Voter Info Call Centre: Dari) (Voter Info Call Centre: Pashto) (Candidate Nomination: Pashto) (IEC mandate: Pashto) (IEC mandate: Dari) (IEC VR extension: Pashto) (IEC VR extension: Dari) (IEC CN challenges period: Pashto) (IEC CN challenges period: Dari) Photo 1: The making of IEC TV PSA on women s participation for VR (July 2013) Photo by ELECT II Photo 2: IEC TV PSA announcing the candidate nomination period (September 2013) These PSAs have been broadcast on 11 TV stations and 30 Radio stations across the country, reaching out to most of the citizens in urban areas. More than 80% of the TV PSAs have been broadcast in prime time, while radio PSA s were broadcast several times a day in all time slots. It is estimated that the TV PSAs reached out to approximately 45% of the target population, or 2.7 million people. The number of people covered by the radio station broadcasts is approximately 16.7 million. 2. Billboards and pole signs To promote the voter registration top-up campaign, 500 billboards and 5,000 pole signs were established in all provincial capitals in ELECT II assisted the IEC with the design, development and procurement of billboards and pole signs. In 2014, the number of billboards will increase to 851 new billboards and 10,000 new polesigns to be installed nationwide. 3. Social Media The IEC also reaches out to stakeholders and the public at large through social media forums, such as facebook and youtube. IEC Facebook page informing followers on the Candidate Nomination Process: 7&set=vb &type=2&theater 43 P a g e

50 3.2 External Relations In line with the IEC s strategic plan ( ), ELECT II is working closely with the External Relations department to increase its capacity in promoting a comprehensive and structured two-way dialogue with key stakeholders, such as candidates and their agents, political parties, civil society organizations and media representatives. The end objective is a more meaningful participation of relevant electoral Consultation with Political Parties on the electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Coalitions - Photo by ELECT II stakeholders throughout different planning and operational phases of the electoral process. The IEC has been supported by ELECT II to internalize and institutionalize the concept that an effective external relations strategy means more than holding the occasional press conference or organizing workshops for partners. A successful external relations strategy must be dynamic, and contains well-structured and pro-active initiatives to engage electoral stakeholders, and promote a sense of broad ownership of the elections process. To this end, the IEC External Relations Department assisted the design and implementation of a stakeholder assessment, to better understand informational needs and perceptions of the electoral process by key stakeholders in the run-up to the 2014 elections. Indicators: 3.2.a: number of consultative dialogues, including and across the country, that take place with all key stakeholders on relevant electoral issues and plans Besides the some 100 workshops and stakeholder meetings nationwide with community leaders, local religious figures, women, youth and networks (mentioned above in the public outreach chapter), the IEC further conducted in 2013 at its HQ in Kabul around ten meetings with high level stakeholders, including government representatives, on Security, Gender, and Public Outreach. 3.2.b: number of consultative dialogues that include gender elements All of the above mentioned, seminars and stakeholder meetings include gender component, from security meetings (on the topic of separate female registration/voting stations and the related issue of female body searchers) to 44 P a g e

51 public outreach events (on the topic women s engagement during the VR, candidate registration, and participation in the elections). 3.2.c: number of consultative dialogues with women groups on a wide range of electoral issues and processes In 2013, with ELECT II input, the IEC conducted 5 High-Level Gender and Elections Coordination meetings at national level; 8 regional workshops with youth (male and female) and 34 provincial youth meetings on gender (male and female separately); and 34 provincial stakeholder seminars with one day for influential women and women s networks. In 2013, the IEC conducted multiple stakeholder consultation sessions on voter registration and candidate nomination, including but not limited to provincial seminars (see: public outreach). The IEC also convened consultation sessions with political parties, media, observers and other stakeholders to discuss self-regulatory electoral codes of conduct (see output 1). The IEC kept up general public awareness on the voter registration top-up campaign, and its importance for inclusive elections, through frequent press conferences - contributing to the wider understanding of the electoral process by the general public. The IEC emphasized frequently on the importance of a sound voter registration as a main tool to guarantee well organized, accountable and transparent elections. To include national key stakeholders in the debate, the IEC organized several consultation sessions on this topic. A significant external relations initiative through which the IEC was able to garner broader public support for the electoral process was the engagement of religious leaders, making them aware of the importance of free and inclusive elections for Afghanistan s future and soliciting their support. The IEC approach to community engagement, on the right to vote and the dangers of electoral fraud, has been an important conduit for planning credible elections. The particular role of the religious leaders in Afghan society cannot be underestimated. Therefore, support from this group is a significant factor. A workshop at the national level at the end of 2012 resulted in a renewed written commitment of religious leaders to the electoral process, in line with a similar letter signed in In 2013, referring to the commitment made by religious leaders in 2012, the IEC further engaged with local stakeholders (community and religious leaders) on this matter at the local level, in support of community engagement for inclusive elections. Another significant external relations forum that was developed under the auspices of the IEC is the Gender and Elections Coordination meeting, which was initiated in 2013 and which brings together a wide range of national and international partners with similar objectives to promote women s participation, and to this end to develop mutually reinforcing cooperation and initiatives. In 2013, five such meetings were conducted (for more details: see the chapter of gender). Furthermore, the IEC organized multiple press conferences, stakeholder meetings and consultations 45 P a g e

52 also on topics such as the newly established Commission, candidate nomination, women s participation, public outreach (High Level meeting), security (High Level meeting) and other issues. These frequent stakeholder meetings play an important role in the IEC s attempt to inform and engage national and international partners to support the conduct of credible elections. Gender Coordination Group meeting at the IEC Media Centre (Kabul, 11 November 2013) Photo by ELECT II Another key function of external relations is to underscore a transparent electoral process through facilitation of international and domestic election observation efforts. As such, on 10 September, the IEC forwarded invitations to international observers, via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, to the: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); European Commission (EC); Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL); and Asian Association of Electoral Authorities (AAEA). By end of 2013, the IEC had issued more than 1,000 accreditation cards, mostly for domestic observer - civil society initiatives, but also including journalists and other stakeholders. This phase of observation was mainly focused on the voter registration process, but also started to lay the foundations for observation of the ongoing electoral process, culminating in the campaign, polling, and post-election periods. In this context, it is expected that in 2014, the IEC is expected to accredit an estimated 100,000 observers, journalists, party-agents and other electoral stakeholders to monitor the Presidential and Provincial Council elections. The IEC also intends to continue to maintain very close donor relations. Through the various forums such as the ELECT II Project Board Meetings, the Technical Left: ELECT II Technical Working Group (Kabul, 21 August 2013); Right: ELECT II Project Board Meeting (Kabul, 03 September 2013) Photos by ELECT II 46 P a g e

53 Working Group meetings, and other bilateral meetings, donor partners are kept abreast of all immediate and relevant matters, and have an input on issues related to the project. ELECT II donor partners, of which some contributed roll-over funding from the preceding ELECT project ( ) include: Australia, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, Turkey, the UK and the United States. 3.3 Candidate Registration Indicator 3.3.a: establishment of vetting mechanism and procedures in advance of the launch of the candidate nomination process. As the new Electoral Law does not foresee the establishment of a vetting committee, the above mentioned indicator is not anymore relevant in advance of the launch the CN process. However, once registered, the IEC still verified the candidates registration and the IECC continued the adjudication of complaints and objections regarding certain candidates. Indicator 3.3.b: Percentage of provincial IEC offices that are ready in a timely manner to roll out the candidate nomination process on the agreed date All 34 IEC provincial offices were in a timely manner ready to roll out and process the provincial candidate nomination process. The provincial IEC offices also facilitated the collection of complaints for the IECC (due to lack of IECC provincial offices), from where they were forwarded to the IECC in Kabul. Verification of candidates list at the IEC data centre (Kabul, 08 October 2013) Photo by ELECT II From 16 September until 6 October, the IEC undertook the candidate registration process, which was largely coordinated by the IEC External Relations Department with support from the IT Department. After internal verification by the IEC, and adjudication of complaints by the IECC, the IEC confirmed on 25 November the registration of 11 presidential candidates and their vice-presidential nominees, as well as 2,713 provincial council candidates (308 women). 15 As stipulated in the Electoral Law, candidates needed the endorsement of a minimum of 100,000 supporters from at least 20 provinces. Provincial Council candidates needed the support from 200 to 600 supporters, depending on the size of the province. Due to the fact that some voter registration data from previous elections could not be fully verified, impacting upon the ability of the IEC to accurately cross-check supporters lists, the IEC reportedly accepted a 30% deviation tolerance level (40% for women) from the established criteria for candidate nomination. 15 On 26 January 2014, the IECC disqualified 25 provincial extra council candidates for failing to meet the required minimum age of 25 years old. The IECC indicated that further investigation regarding candidates requirements is ongoing. 47 P a g e

54 ELECT II assisted the IEC with design and review of candidate nomination procedures and forms, as well as with incorporating a significant gender-perspective throughout the process, not least supporting the IEC efforts to encourage greater women s registration through concrete incentives. This included the IEC decision to reimburse female provincial candidates their deposits, even if they would not meet the minimum required vote percentage (see below). Verification of candidates list at the IEC data T=treatment centre (Kabul, 08 October 2013) Photo by ELECT II As of closure of the candidate registration process on 6 October, and prior to the verification and complaints process and procedures, the IEC had initially registered in total: 27 presidential candidates (one female presidential candidate and nine female vice-presidential candidates); and 3,059 provincial council candidates (323 women). Annex 10-a displays the full list of presidential candidates and their vicepresidential nominees, registered as of closure of the registration process 16. The list with the names of the 11 Presidential Candidates can be found on the IEC website: For the Provincial Council elections, 3,059 candidates had initially registered themselves at the IEC s provincial offices, of which 323 were women. As per an IEC resolution, and based on 2013 population estimates of the Central Statistics Organization, in total 458 provincial council seats are allocated nationwide. Of these, 96 seats are reserved for women in line with the 20% quota as stipulated in the new Electoral Law (reduced from 25% in the previous legislation). After IEC verification and IECC adjudication, 2,713 provincial council candidates were confirmed. Annex 10-b provides a summary of the different verification and adjudication statistics of provincial council candidates. Picture: IEC website with voter registration information and an online application for Observers Accreditation ( (2013) 16 After the IEC confirmation of verification of the application requirements, the IEC announced on 22 October a list of 10 presidential candidates, with one candidate later being reinstated by the IECC on 19 November. The list with the names of the 11 Presidential Candidates can be found on the IEC website: 48 P a g e

55 From a technical and operational perspective, the candidate registration process can be regarded overall as a success. Together with the VR exercise, it enhanced coordination between IEC HQ and provincial offices, and witnessed solutions for distinct operational challenges. The process, however, emphasized the need for close coordination between the IEC and IECC on joint timeline planning. It also underscored the importance of transparency of electoral preparations at all times, including observers access to Commission meetings at key stages of the electoral process in line with legislation. The IEC assisted the IECC with collecting and retrieving the complaints in the provinces for submission to the IECC in Kabul, due to the fact that IECC provincial offices had not yet been established. Women s candidacy Efforts to secure greater women s participation in the electoral process, including as candidates to elected office, underscore Afghanistan s international commitments, including as a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). However, the 2013 Electoral Law stipulates 20 % reserved seats for women in Provincial Councils, decreased from 25%, which represents a setback. The total number of reserved seats for women has therefore been reduced from 124 (2009) to 96 at present. As per an IEC regulation, and based on 2013 population estimates of the Central Statistics Organization, in total 458 provincial council seats are allocated nationwide. Women s participation as candidates, voters, election observers and electoral officials is critical for democratic elections. Encouraging female candidates for the 2014 elections was not without challenges. In order to enhance female participation, the IEC issued a regulation on 29 September, stating that female provincial candidates will be fully refunded their financial deposit, even if they do not reach the required minimum votes (2% for Provincial Council elections). The reimbursement of female candidates deposit is supported by a DFID/TAF programme. This message was also spread through the Afghan Women s Network. In the last IEC ballot lottery (25 November 2013) Photo by IEC days of candidate registration, there was a significant increase in women s registration. A week before the end of the registration, 9 provinces still did not have enough women registered to reach the minimum number of female candidates according to seat allocation quotas. By the closure of the registration period on 6 October, all provinces had more female candidates registered than the allocated female quota. The contest ratio for women is 3.5 candidates per (quota) seat, compared to 7.5 for men. Women represent 11% of registered candidates (1% higher than 2009 and 3% higher than 2005). Other outreach efforts included gender-focused seminars with local elders, mullahs and influential women, targeted radio and TV public service 49 P a g e

56 announcements, and voter educators in the field. (See further below on gender specific results) 3.4 Gender mainstreaming and women s outreach See below: Chapter IV. Gender Specific Results For progress according to indicators, see the snapshot table below. EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR During 2013, a total of USD 4,321,569 was spent for output 3. For more details, please see Annex 2. IEC Public Outreach Billboard to advertise IEC Voters Information Call Centre (telephone number: 190) Photo by IEC 50 P a g e

57 The table below is a snapshot of where ELECT II is in relation to its annual targets Table 3: Progress Update 2013 Output BASELINE 2013 ANNUAL TARGETS Baseline 3.1.a-d: Survey and Stakeholder Assessment along with secondary data obtained from external stakeholder data (i.e., Asia Foundation Survey, Democracy International Survey, and Altai s Media Landscape Study); Previous POD mechanisms; and quality of targeted messages and materials Baseline 3.2: zero stakeholder interactions were in the past neither always systematically structured not consultative. 3.1.a: development and broadcast radio PSA, TV PSA, radio drama, TV/radio round table, call centre, sms, mobile theatre, printed materials 3.1.b: Number of public outreach activities that specifically target women 3.1.c: Number of participants reached through direct public outreach activities 3.1.d.: Number of participants reached through indirect public outreach activities 3.2.a: ( ) At least 10 consultative stakeholder meetings a year with all relevant partners, take place in Kabul and at all the regional centres (depending on the security) ACTUAL COMMENTS 3.1.a. 10 TV and radio PSAs (Dari and Pashto); some 100 regional, provincial and district seminars; 500 billboards and 5,000 pole signs placed nationwide; call centre established 16 July (500,000+ calls). 1,000,000s+ printed materials distributed by 864 Civic and Voter Educators (including 200,000 specific for women); the conduct of some 100 seminars, workshops and consultation sessions with a wide range of stakeholders (including religious leaders, women networks, etc.); the use of social media; and gender specific programmes including, but not limited, the establishment of a Gender and Elections Coordination Group. 3.1.b: 34 provincial seminars with community/leaders and mullahs (day1) and women (day2) with focus on women participation; as well as 34 provincial youth seminars with gender perspective. 200,000 gender specific leaflets distributed. 3.1.c: 34 provincial seminars conducted with community/leaders and mullahs (day1) and women (day2) (between participants per day per province). +500,000 people called Call Centre, circa 10% women; 864 Civic Educators deployed for face-to-face interactions 3.1.d: approx. 2.7 million and 16.7 million people reached through 6 TV and radio PSA, respectively. 3.2.a. Besides 34 Provincial stakeholder consultations (see 3.1), 4 High Level Coordination meetings were organized (Security/Public Outreach), as well as 5 Gender and Election coordination meetings. 8 regional workshops with youth (students) and 34 provincial workshops with youth with a specific gender perspective. Stakeholder meetings For 2014, as a lessons learnt, with ELECT II assistance the IEC hired a third party group to monitor the public outreach activities as well as the civic and voter educators. On track 51 P a g e

58 Baseline 3.3.a: NA Baseline 3.3.b: NA Baseline 3.4.a: April 2013: a. fixed term staff+ long-term temporary staff: a-b) 57 women over 423 men (11%); 2010 elections: c) no baseline data found; d) civic educators 31% women (besides 7% Kuchis); DFC 19% (besides 6% Kuchis); g, h, i) no baseline data found. Baseline 3.4.b.: no gender strategy in place Baseline 3.4.c: 3.2.b. (2012) At least half of all the consultative stakeholder meetings include a gender component 3.2.c. ( ) At least 3 stakeholder meetings with women groups on annual basis 3.3.a: (2013) establishing of the vetting mechanism and procedures by September b: (2013) All provincial IEC offices (100%) are ready to roll out the candidate nomination process on 16 September a: assistance to IEC for IEC female recruitment at HQ and provinces: - ratio fixed term staff + longterm permanent staff increased by 7% by end of recruitment of at least 40% female VR trainers - recruitment of at least 40% female civic educators - recruitment of at least 30% female DFCs - recruitment of at least 25% female voter registration 3.4.b - development of Gender Strategy for electoral operations 3.2.b. All 34 Provincial Stakeholder meetings addressed women participation and included full day with women. Five meetings went specifically about women and elections (Coordination Group). 8 regional workshops with youth and 34 provincial youth meetings on gender. In all other meetings, significant attention was given to gender sensitive issues. 3.2.c. High level Gender and Elections Coordination Group established - 5 meetings in a: Candidate Verification procedures developed in line with the Electoral Law. IECC did adjudication of complaints and objections of registered candidates for 2014 elections. 3.3.b: The IEC conducted timely and successfully the Presidential and Provincial candidate registration process. IECC provincial offices not ready (see below) 3.4..a Recruitment new IEC fixed term and temporary staff: Provincial IEC staff (270/1,339) (20%) - 259/1,096 female permanent staff (5%) - 11/243 female long-term temporary staff (24%) Provincial IEC staff (specific functions included in the group above) (102/227) (45%) - 35/83 female prov. training officers (42%) - 33/76 female prov. public outreach (43%) - 34/34 female prov. gender officers (100%) - 0/34 female prov. external relations (0%) IEC Field Staff (VR, civic educators, etc.) (1,774/5,187) (34%) - 164/369 female provincial VR staff (44%) /3555 female district VR staff (38%) - 241/833 female VR civic educators (29%) - 0/31 female Kuchi liaison officers (0%) All VR centres have separated female stations operated by female On track IECC challenges, see below On track 52 P a g e

59 (incl. VR); - implementing gender related VR activities - comprehensive gender TOT training for IEC VR staff; - Develop and distribution VR gender leaflet (200,000) 3.4.c - establishment Gender Elections Coordination group that meets at least 5 times a year; - at least 5 gender presentations in general stakeholder consultations on electoral issues (CSO, Political parties, Media, Gov) in line with Strategy; - consultations (34) with mullahs in all provinces, seminars with women voters in all provinces staff only. For the preparation of 2014 elections: - recruitment initiated for 681/ 3,198 DFCs for 2014 elections (21 %) - recruitment initiated for 473/1428 female electoral CVEs (33%) IEC HQ (102/775) (13%) - 30/190 female permanent staff (16%) - 72/585 female long-term temporary staff (12%) IEC HQ staff (specific functions included in the group above) (32/172) (18.6%) - 11/62 female Call Centre operators (18%) - 21/110 female data centre staff (19%) 3.4.b. - Gender Strategy + Action Plan implemented - radio/tv PSA on women s participation - gender specific voter education/inform.: prov/district distribution of 200,000 gender VR leaflets - Multiple workshops at national, provincial and district level (see above 3.4.c.) 3.4.c. - 5 Gender and Elections Coordination meetings conducted (Aug/Sept) - Enhanced communication of IEC to media, political parties, etc. to engage women in process. Stakeholder meetings with Afghan Women Networks - Workshops 17 Kabul based seminars with community leaders/mullahs as well as women groups, with specific focus on female participation in electoral processes: 17 in Kabul (June/July); 34 in all provinces (Sept); 34 in all provinces with youth (Dec.) 53 P a g e

60 OUTPUT 4: The IEC s operational management functions and the project support services are provided in a transparent, efficient and effective manner Output 4 relates to both the daily operational support for the IEC s functioning that ELECT II provides, as well as the management of the project s own resources mobilized to support the IEC. The former is broken down into services that - as per agreement between UNDP and the IEC - ELECT II provides for the IEC, and funds that ELECT II provides for the daily operations of the IEC that are managed directly by the IEC. This output has a three-pronged focus: Enhancing the operational capacity of the IEC through advisory support in the areas such as Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Administration, as well as providing the financial means for the IEC s operations; Proper management of ELECT II project resources; Providing support for electoral operations, in particular with regards to procurement and translation services. 4.1 IEC s Operational functions Indicator 4.1: the auditor s opinion on the IEC s operational management The IEC audit conducted by UNDP in 2013 for the year 2012 includes some qualification comments, in particular related to advances. ELECT project is assisting IEC to implement those audit recommendations. The IEC s audit for the year 2013 was not finalized at the time of release of this report. Furthermore, a UNDP GARMIN report on on-budget modalities (Q2 2013) served as baseline for UNDP/ELECT II NIM funds transmission. In addition, a Micro capacity assessment of IEC was undertaken in Q-4, 2013 by external auditors to assess IEC financial institutional capacity to consider IEC as NIM partner. With support from ELECT II, for the first time IEC made a submission to the Ministry of Finance in 2013 for $7.4 million USD for On 14 January 2014, the Wolesi Jirga approved a national budget of US $4,087,000 USD for the IEC for the 2014 budgetary year. For the IEC, this is an increase of more than $1.5 million USD compared to previous years. In terms of financial sustainability of the IEC, although IEC did not get its entire requested budget, this represents increased government funding to the IEC and is therefore deemed as the first step- i.e. that GoIRA is meeting an increased budget for the daily running cost of the IEC. If this proceeds accordingly, the next step for the IEC could be to request the MoF to fund for activities such as trainings and workshops that take place between elections. The issue of increased government funding to the 54 P a g e

61 electoral bodies also represents increased sustainability, in particular for post 2015 planning. Another key area of support includes the financial and operational support to the IEC in undertaking their Operations. After a lot of effort from the technical support of UNDP CO and ELECT II Advisors, the MoF agreed to establish a separate bank account in the name of the IEC for the UNDP project funds transmission. In this regard, an official communication was sent by the MoF to IEC in November, This will enable the UNDP to provide quarterly advances. This is a tremendous step forward towards strengthening National Implementation Modality (NIM). One of the main supports provided by the project management unit is the institutional capacity development of IEC in critical areas of procurement, finance asset and HR management. In 2013 and the beginning of 2014, a Micro-Capacity Assessment was conducted by the UNDP Country Office of its implementing partner, the IEC, across various operational areas, to determine the risk assessment for different type of payment modalities. It is expected that there will a combination of financial management tools used, which will Candidates taking the exam for IEC Officer for Procurement, Finance, and Administration Photo ELECT II include NIM advance to IEC, direct payment by UNDP based on the procurement undertaken by IEC, reimbursements, and also complex and sensitive procurements undertaken by UNDP. This methodology will result in long-term capacity building of IEC, and a more sustainable approach and national ownership of the process. ELECT II is also assisting the IEC with the development of systems and procedures in a coherent manner in line with NIM. During 2013, almost 30 SOPs were developed in areas of finance, procurement, asset and HR management and trainings were also organized for the IEC staff. An assets-tracking software was developed and installed, and payroll management system trainings that were conducted for the HQ and provincial staff of IEC. For 2014, a more integrated approach will be adopted to develop an Operational Manual to ensure consistency and uniformity of the IEC with all relevant laws, policies and procedures. This will be linked to quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that there is not only consistency in its application, but also regular updating. The IEC procurement, finance, asset and HR personnel will be trained on these policies and procedures over the next year, including the respective provincial staff. 55 P a g e

62 Another major step in the direction of sustainability of electoral assistance would be to eventually move increasingly towards on-budget modalities. Following Presidential Decree 45, which essentially states that electoral assistance should move on-budget, discussions took place in 2013 among donor partners, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) and the UN. As these discussions are intended to be forward looking, an informed analysis assessing the strengths and liabilities of moving electoral assistance on-budget was deemed desirable. UNDP therefore fielded a highlevel independent mission, termed as the Grants Agreement and Risk Management (GARMIN) mission. The mission looked into the respective budget lines of the electoral operations, and recommended certain budget lines that could possibly move onbudget. However, the predominant factor depends on the negotiation and agreement by the IEC and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) as to specific categories that may move on-budget, and what percentage of the overall electoral budget that this will represent. Based on the GARMIN report recommendations, discussions had begun between the MoF and the IEC. Dialogues focused on possible cost categories and percentage that could be transferred on-budget, keeping in mind the context of a compressed and timebound electoral process and constitutionally-mandated independence of the IEC. However, with the beginning of the electoral season, these discussions have been postponed between the two institutions. It is however expected that discussions will resume, and the cost categories and percentages to be further developed for the 2015 elections. Finally, at the end of 2013, ELECT II, under the lead of the UNDP Country Office, assisted the IEC with discussions with the Director-General of the Budget Office to regulate the salary structure of IEC staff as per accordance to the Afghan Law. Political appointments, including IEC/IECC Commissioners and CEOs, are not allowed to receive salary remunerations above their Government salary as per Afghan Law. All other IEC tashkeel staff, not politically appointed, will receive their tashkeel salary and a CBR allowance. The temporary IEC staff would then be placed on the National Technical Allowance (NTA) scale. A later communication letter by the MoF in early 2014 informed that the implementation would be waved until post-election period. 4.2 ELECT II project resources management Indicator 4.2: the extent to which the project itself is efficiently and effectively managed a) in terms of transparency: auditor s opinion; The 2012 Audit exercised for DIM part was conducted by OAI (in Q ). Auditors marked some areas as audit qualifications. ELECT is taking actions to implement the audit recommendations. b) delivery rate 90% budget execution (well above the 80% target) 56 P a g e

63 (AWP Budget: 75,207,100 USD vs. Actual Expenses: 44,800,726 USD and Commitments: 23,493,795 USD) c) percentage of project outputs according to work plan: Out of 37 indicators developed to monitor the project s progress towards its outputs; as of end of 2013, 29 project indicators are on track, 5 are behind initial schedule, and 3 were not yet applicable. Delays according to initial plan include: construction of provincial offices due to revised planning; (full) establishment of the IECC, due to late passage of the required legal framework and subsequent late appointment of Commissioners; and conduct of IEC internal staff survey due to competing priorities. d) the number of regular and documented project board meetings; PBMs were held on 12 June, 2 September, and 11 December, besides virtual meetings on 24 and 28 February TWG meetings were held: on 14 January 2013, 11 February 2013, 25 March 2013, 15 April 2013, 21 April 2013, 05 June 2013, 21 August 2013, 17 November 2013, and 2 December e) quality of payments to the IEC All IEC payments in 2013 were certified by ELECT II finance team according to UNDP regulations and in line with UNDP-IEC agreement. Internally, the project management unit facilitated the expansion of the project s scope, reflected in the recruitment in 2013 of a large number of new ELECT II staff members, of which 24 new regional advisors; as well as in the project s budget increase to almost 340 million USD. All units, from HR, to finance, procurement, assets management, IT, dispatch, and administration contributed to the internal streamlining of processes to enable advisors to focus on their technical role. At last, the translation unit provided in 2013 written translations in English, Dari of Pashto of more than 1,200 documents, in addition to providing interpretation services. 4.3 ELECT II direct operations support Indicator 4.3: Quality and timeliness of support services for electoral activities. Electoral procurement plan developed in line with 2014 elections plan and AWP; By end of 2013, the project concluded procurement of USD 20.9 million while $56 million was in process. ELECT II received assistance from UNDP Procurement Support Office in Copenhagen for all international procurement. ELECT II staff testing and assisting IEC with bar code scanner for assets tracking purposes of electoral materials Photo by ELECT II In terms of direct electoral support, ELECT II played a prominent role in the procurement of electoral 57 P a g e

64 materials for the VR as well as the upcoming elections. By end of 2013, the project concluded procurement of USD 20.9 million while $56 million was in process. ELECT II developed a 2014 elections timeline that outlines all various steps and procedures to be undertaken to procure both international and domestic goods and services for the 2014 elections. ELECT II had all electoral items procured by the end of the year, in order to further enable all logistical operations and movement of materials from January onwards. It was decided that ELECT II international procurement would be supervised by the UNDP Procurement Support Office in Copenhagen. EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR During 2013, a total of USD 9,839,161 was spent for output 4. For more details, please see Annex 2. Below is a snapshot of where Output 4 is in relation to its annual targets BASELI NE 2013 ANNUAL TARGETS 2013 ACTUAL COMME NTS Baseline 4.1: qualified auditor report in 2011 Baseline 4.2: NA 4.1. The IEC has an unqualified audit report 4.2. a) unqualified project audit report rating; b) at least 80% project budget execution; c) 100% compliance with monitoring, evaluation and reporting plans; d) minimum of quarterly documented project board meetings (including virtual PBs); e) certification of payments to the IEC. NIM audit exercise was undertaken in Q-2, 2013 for the financial year 2012 by external auditors. Auditors raised few observations and recommendations. ELECT project is assisting IEC to implement those audit recommendations. UNDP GARMIN report on on-budget modalities (Q2 2013) as baseline for UNDP/ELECT II NIM funds transmission Micro capacity assessment of IEC was also undertaken in Q-4, 2013 by external auditors to assess IEC financial institutional capacity to consider IEC as NIM partner. ELECT II Project Document revision and extension approved by donor partners on 6 June and signed by UNDP and IEC on 27 August. Donor pledging on 3 September. a) 2012 Audit exercised for DIM part was conducted by OAI (in Q ). Auditors marked some areas as audit qualifications. ELECT is taking actions to implement the audit recommendations. b) delivery rate (>80%) 90% budget execution (AWP Budget: 75,207,100 USD vs. Actual Expenses: 44,800,726 USD and UNDP and ELECT II is assisting the IEC with sharpening its financial procedures, as well working closely together with MoF regarding modalities of funds transmissio n On track 58 P a g e

65 Commitments: 23,493,795 USD) c) compliance with M&E plans: out of 37 indicators developed to monitor the project s progress towards its outputs; as of end of 2013, 29 project indicators are on track, 5 are behind initial schedule, and 3 were not yet applicable. d) PBM on 12 June, 2 Sept, 11 Dec. virtual meetings on Feb. // TWG: on 14 January 2013, 11 February 2013, 25 March 2013, 15 April 2013, 21 April 2013, 05 June 2013, 21 August 2013, 17 November 2013, and 11 December e) All IEC payments in 2013 were certified by UNDP/ELECT II finance team Baseline 4.3: NA 4.3 support services for electoral activities (2013 VR; 2014 elections; 2015 elections) is provided timely and qualitatively Electoral procurement plan developed 2014 budget and AWP 2014 further drafted/elaborated On track 59 P a g e

66 OUTPUT 5: The conduct of polling, counting and results management operations by the IEC is improved Output 5 encompasses ELECT II s direct electoral assistance role: to assist the IEC with the conduct of the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections and the 2015 Wolesi Jirga and (possibly) District Council elections. The effectiveness of achieving this output, and the extent to which the 2014 and 2015 elections are prepared and conducted in a credible, transparent and accountable manner, will determine to a considerable extent the success of the overall electoral assistance dimension of the project. The upcoming elections are fully Afghan-led and Afghan-managed, and it is essential to underscore the decreasing role of the international community in this electoral cycle 17. However, ELECT II still plays a key technical advisory and operational support role. To assist the IEC with electoral planning and implementation, in 2013, the project recruited 24 international advisors for deployment to the country s eight main regions, with each three-person regional team containing an international electoral, logistics and security specialist. In 2013, ELECT II advisors were heavily involved in assisting the IEC with the drafting and elaboration of the IEC Concept of Election Operations, the electoral timeline for the 2014 elections, the 2014 Election Operations Plan, the IEC Fraud Mitigation Plan, the Election Security Plan, and other election-operational annexes. ELECT II is further providing input to the IEC to further enhance its polling and counting procedures, the delivery and retrieval of materials, and the tallying process. ELECT II input is based on lessons learnt and international best practices. Also in 2013, ELECT II started the development of different IEC CEO Ziaulhaq Amarkhil provides an update on electoral preparations at a Press Conference (January 2013) Photo by ELECT II software applications and databases to assist the IEC with tracking materials, management of the (this time) transparent tampered evident bags (TEBs), and incorporating the tally results. Another software has been developed to improve short-listing and recruitment of temporary staff 18, such as the data centre operators and district field coordinators. Furthermore, to enhance logistical management and proper assets tracking, ELECT II introduced an electronic assets tracking software at the IEC. 17 Whereas the 2004 elections conducted by the Joint Electoral Management Body counted on more than 500 international advisors, the 2009 Presidential and Provincial Council elections on 160+ advisors and the 2010 Wolesi Jirga elections on 85 international advisors, the current project envisages a maximum of 60 international staff to assist the IEC. 18 The IEC is using the recruitment software to assess blacklisted candidates from previous elections, in total around 11,000 persons. 60 P a g e

67 When providing input or advice to the IEC on all the above matters, ELECT II advisors, whether in the areas of field operations, procedures, gender, logistics, assets management, procurement, IT, GIS, or operational security, were strongly engaged with their respective counterparts in the IEC in order to enhance the IEC s long-term capacity development for the conduct of future elections. The current established electoral plans, notes, guidelines, procedures, practices and processes do not only serve as a building blocks for the upcoming elections, but are at the same time part of the institutional memory the IEC is consolidating for the preparation and conduct of all future elections Electoral Operations Indicator 5.1: the success of the conduct of the 2014 and 2015 elections, measured by qualitative assessment in observer reports; and by statistical reporting and procedural and administrative error reduction On 30 July, the outgoing Commission formally approved the 2014 Election Operational Plan, which was reviewed for consistency with the new Electoral Law, and resulted in shortening of the Political Campaign period (2 months for Presidential elections and 1 month for the Provincial Council elections). The Plan was drafted and shared with donors and other relevant stakeholders in April 2013, and feedback was incorporated as relevant. The plan includes a timetable with key election-related planning dates leading up to the Presidential and Provincial Council elections of 5 April 2014, as well as key dates in the election process subsequent to polling day. This includes the date of a presidential inauguration estimated on 22 May 2014, or alternatively contingency for a run-off on 28 May The timetable also included the establishment of the IECC and the IEC Media Commission, as well as the candidate nomination and the political campaign IEC staff loading electoral (voter registration) materials Photo by Elect II periods. See annex 6 for the comprehensive operational timeline for the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council Elections. It should be noted that the timetable was issued in October 2012, nearly one and a half years prior to the election day, facilitating electoral planning and transparency of the process. The Election Operational Plan is built on the principles of integrity and inclusiveness. With ELECT II advice, the IEC aims to enhance the integrity of the elections by 61 P a g e

68 improving the recruitment and oversight process of (temporary) polling station staff 19 ; enhanced training, monitoring and observation; public outreach to secure community ownership and stakeholder engagement; formalizing strong relations with the IECC; and developing a comprehensive fraud control plan that analyses every aspect of the process to ensure maximum fraud mitigation. The IEC elaborated in 2013 the Election Operations plan based on feedback from partners and lessons learnt from internal IEC past experiences, as well as incorporating the IEC Fraud Mitigation Strategy 20 and additional anti-fraud measures, and a 2014 elections procurement plan. As a component of the Election Operations Plan, a Security Concept of Operations has also been developed to facilitate optimal cooperation and coordination between the IEC and the security forces. While the IEC has cooperated on security planning for the elections, the Ministry of Interior has ultimate responsibility for electoral security. ELECT II input, including the in 2013 recruited field advisors, provided significant assistance to the IEC s Field Operations Department, in particular logistics planning, movement plans, and polling centres and stations assessment planning. 5.2 Results management Indicator 5.2: the quality of the results management strategy and the extent to which the results management implementation adheres to the strategy. In 2013, ELECT II assisted the IEC with looking into different measures to improve the elections results management process. In this respect, ELECT II advisors started to provide input to the drafting of regulations, procedures and policy documents, related to: polling and counting procedures; the vote tally; and audit and recount procedures. In addition, ELECT II assisted the IEC with the development of software to manage a centralized tally database. However, besides the importance of a technically sound results management process from IEC Chairman Nuristani and CEO Ziaulhaq exhibiting voting ink samples (9 December 2013) Photo by ELECT II polling - to counting - to the tally stage, it will be essential for the IEC to also develop a timely results management communication strategy that determines how preliminary/progressive results, final uncertified results and final certified results will be communicated and by whom. In this respect, a clear MoU 19 11,000 former IEC polling workers have been blacklisted in the past for not delivering their responsibilities in a professional and impartial manner. This list can now be cross-checked in the database software. 20 Incorporating recommendations of the IFES Afghanistan Electoral Integrity Assessment Report from early in P a g e

69 between the IEC and IECC should also be outlined, reflecting a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of both electoral bodies in line with their respective mandates. 5.3 Polling centre verification Indicator 5.3.a: percentage of polling centres physically verified and with GIS mapped With ELECT II assistance, the IEC was able to map 98%.5 polling centres by GIS; with 69% specified to exact building-level geo-codes and 29% mapped on village level. The GIS codes of the remaining 1.5% PCs (103) need to be reassessed. 21 To promote inclusiveness and ensure voting rights, the IEC Operational Plan envisages the operation of around 7,000 polling centres across the country. Security-wise, the IEC shared a list of 6,845 polling centres with the security forces in April, In initial feedback in July 2013, the MoI (which is responsible for overall electoral security), indicated that security cannot be guaranteed for 258 polling centres (3.7%). Depending on security developments, the ultimate IEC Deputy CEO and Chief of Operations, Jawed Hababi, informing stakeholders on the Results Forms (protocols) Photo by ELECT II number of opened polling centres will be determined shortly before polling day. It is the first time that (nearly) all polling centers are GEO-located on maps. 22 The ELECT II GIS advisor assisted the IEC with the continued geo-coding of polling centres. A crucial element in this process is the availability of data from the Afghan Geodesy and Cartography Head Office (AGCHO). In addition, ELECT II assisted the IEC with different analysis, such as the production of an average snowfall map for the month of April when the upcoming elections are scheduled, or (Roshan) cellphone coverage of polling centres (less than 45%). In addition, ELECT II facilitated a new GIS training for IEC staff, and assisted with further verification and classification of the polling centre data base. 21 GIS assessment percentage for the final polling centre list of maximum 6,775 polling centres (PC) confirmed by the IEC in mid-february On 11 January 2014, the MoI shared with the IEC its final security assessment of the 6,845 proposed polling centres, of which it indicated 6,431 can be secured for polling day. The remaining 414 insecure centres (or 6%), located in 15 provinces, are taken off the list. The IEC submitted in the meantime in January 2014 an additional list of 323 polling centres for verification. On 18 February 2014, the IEC confirmed the final list with maximum 6,775 polling centres, representing 21,663 polling stations, of which 8,958 are for women. Depending on security developments, the ultimate number of opened polling centres could be further reduced. 63 P a g e

70 Indicator 5.3.b: the extent to which the IEC is engaged in the government boundary delimitation policy NA in 2013 Discussion and consultations with respective government agencies on district boundaries have to be initiated after the presidential/provincial council elections, in order enable possible district council elections in EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR During 2013, a total of USD 120,415 was spent for output 5. For more details, please see Annex 2. Below is a snapshot of where ELECT II is in relation to its annual targets Table 5: Progress Update 2013 Output BASELINE Baseline 5.1: qualitative statements in the observer reports of the 2009 Presidential and 2010 Parliamentary elections, respectively Baseline 5.2: poor result management 2013 ANNUAL TARGETS 5.1: (2013) timely and qualitative implementation of the electoral operations plan according to timeline and procedures 5.2: (2013) development of a results management strategy that includes 2013 ACTUAL COMMENTS On 30 July, the outgoing Commission approved the Election Operational Plan. In September, the IEC revised the electoral timeline (initially approved already a year earlier on 31 October 2012), in line with the new Electoral Law and the shortened Campaign Period. ELECT II developed Procurement plan for the 2014 elections In addition, logistic planning developed to move electoral materials from suppliers to IEC HQ (customs clearing needed for foreign procured goods), from IEC HQ to IEC provincial offices, from provincial offices to polling centre locations. Development of fraud mitigation strategy and implementation of specific measures during process of recruitment, packing, movement, counting and tallying. An ELECT II Results Management software specialist assisted the IEC On track On track: software completed Q P a g e

71 strategy during 2009 and 2010 elections Baseline 5.3.a: zero Baseline 5.3.b: No official district boundaries established proper results certification and communication mechanisms to release partial, temporary and certified/uncertified results after the Presidential and Provincial Council elections 5.3.a: (2013) 100% of all polling centre locations mapped with GIS with developing software to manage the tally data base system 98.5% of all polling centre locations mapped with GIS codes IEC however need to focus in Q also on communication policies regarding results announcement; as well as need for establishment coordination mechanism with IECC regarding final results announcement Remaining 1.5% GIS mapping of polling centres faces difficulties due to incomplete or conflicting data. Further process also depending on AGCHO data b. discussion with respective government agencies on district boundaries needs to be taken up asap after the presidential/provincial council elections, in order enable district council elections in 2015 Electoral materials arriving at IEC HQ in preparation of the 2014 elections (December 2013) photo by IEC 65 P a g e

72 OUTPUT 6: The electoral dispute resolution mechanisms of the electoral process are enhanced In order to ensure a fair, transparent and accountable electoral process, it is paramount that an electoral dispute resolution body is established in a timely manner, and capable of receiving and adjudicating any challenges related to candidate nomination. 6.1 IECC In this respect, the approval and endorsement of the Electoral Law and the Law on the Structure, Duties and Authorities of the IEC and IECC opened the door to establishment of the IECC as a permanent electoral dispute resolution body. After a nomination process that was undertaken by a Selection Committee, as stipulated in the Law, on 16 September, President Karzai appointed the five Commissioners of the IECC for a six-year term: Abdul Saatar Sadaat (Chairman), Rida Azimi (Deputy), Nadir Mohseni (Secretary and Spokesperson), Azizullah Aryafar and Paighambar Qul Doghan. The Commission is ethnically composed of one Pashtun, two Tajik, one Hazara and one Turkmen; and comprises one woman (Ms. Rida Azimi), who is a former IEC Commissioner from Dr. Mohammad Ali Setegh is Secretary General (CEO). IECC Chairman Abdul Saatar Sadat and UN D-SRSG Nicholas Haysom at the IECC s first Project Board Meeting (14 February 2014) Photo by ELECT II Indicator 6.1.a. timely establishment and full staffing at HQ and in the provinces of an electoral dispute resolution body The IECC has been established per Law in July 2013, and Commissioners were appointed on 16 Sept The IECC requested UN(DP) support in October UNOPS and IFES have been subcontracted by UNDP respectively in October and November The IECC held its first TWG with donors on 29 Dec (see Annex 11 for all relevant steps and dates of IECC establishment) Since the appointment of the IECC Commissioners in September, 2013, the IECC faced a compressed timeframe to become fully operational both at HQ and provincial level to fulfill its mandate for the 5 April 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections. A functional adjudication mechanism, capable of providing effective, timely and enforceable remedies, is central to a credible election process; hence the 66 P a g e

73 concerted efforts that have been underway to assist the establishment and functioning of the IECC. On 9 October 2013, in line with the extended ELECT II Project Document, UNDP and donor partners reached consensus on the framework for delivery of UN assistance to the IECC. In order to avoid any possible conflict of interest with the provision of assistance to the IEC, the decision was taken to subcontract the technical assistance and operational support to the IECC to IFES and UNOPS respectively. UNDP, through ELECT II, subcontracted UNOPS for operational support and IFES for advisory support. The agreement was concluded subsequent to a letter from the IECC to UNAMA on 3 October, officially requesting support for all aspects of the IECC s work, and further requesting assistance and resources to deliver and carry out the activities to achieve its vision and mission. On 14 October and 3 November, respectively, subcontracting agreements were in place for UNOPS and IFES. In anticipation of the effective implementation of UNOPS and IFES support, the IEC assisted the IECC in expediting its establishment through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 2 October by the IEC and IECC Chairmen, including IT support, the secondment of some staff and the option of co-location. It was also agreed that the IECC could make use of IEC provincial offices to collect and forward complaints on the candidate nomination process for adjudication by the IECC at the central level. ELECT II facilitated the implementation of the IEC-IECC MoU on start-up support. In addition to the UN Support, the IECC has also received assistance from the Government of Afghanistan. This was initially provided under the terms of four presidential decrees issued on 23 September which mandated provision of: 20 million Afghanis for initial establishment costs; armored vehicles; bodyguards; and office space leased in Kabul until mid-january. The IEC has also provided initial support under the terms of an operational MOU. Finally, the Wolesi Jirga approved on 14 January an operational and development budget totaling USD 1,786,000 million for Regarding staffing, on 23 December, the IECC Tashkeel structure was approved by the Civil Service Commission. Actual recruitment is only taking place in 2014, as well as the appointment of 102 Provincial Commissioners. 23 Indicator 6.1.b. the extent to which regulations and operating procedures are developed in a qualitative and timely manner No systems, procedures and processes were already approved in 2013 Indicator 6.1.c. timely establishment of a coordination mechanism between the IEC and the electoral dispute resolution mechanism to address electoral complaints 23 President Karzai in fact confirmed the appointment of the 102 IECC Provincial Commissioners on 11 February, P a g e

74 An initial (and temporary) MoU between IEC and IECC was agreed regarding IEC support to facilitate the IECC s start-up, where the IECC could make use of IEC provincial offices to collect complaints regarding candidate nomination phase. Indicator 6.1.d. the extent of proper assets management of the electoral dispute resolution body UNOPS has been sub-contracted by UNDP in October to assist IECC with its assets management The three above mentioned indicators will become more relevant from 2014 onwards 24. EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR During 2013, a total of USD 1,286,763 was spent for output 6. For more details, please see Annex 2. Below is a snapshot of where ELECT II is in relation to its annual targets Table 6: Progress Update 2013 Output BASELINE Baseline a.: no permanent IECC structure exists Baseline b,c,d: NA 2013 ANNUAL TARGETS 6.1.a (2013) Electoral dispute resolution mechanism is fully established and staffed in all provincial offices and HQ by October b. (2013) Systems, procedures and processes developed/revised and implemented for filing, hearing and resolving complaints and appeals. Improvement of the triage system for dispute handling 6.1.c. (2013) initiation coordination mechanism IEC - IECC 6.1.d. start of assets management plan 2013 ACTUAL COMMENTS 6.1.a) IECC established per Law (July 2013). IECC Commissioners appointed (16 Sept 2013) IECC requesting UN(DP) support (Oct 2013) UNOPS/IFES subcontract by UNDP (Oct/Nov 2013) 1st TWG with donors on 29 Dec b) no systems, procedures and processes yet approved in 2013, neither 6.3.b) initial MoU between IEC and IECC agreed regarding IEC support to IECC start-up; IECC could make use of IEC provincial offices to collect complaints regarding candidate nomination phase. 6.1.d. UNOPS sub-contracted to assist IECC with assets management IECC not yet fully and operational by end of 2013: -recruitment of staff in process in Q At provincial level: Provincial IECC Commissioners not appointed in 2013 (only in Feb 2014) temporary solution of colocation within IEC provincial offices where possible -development and approval of annual working plans, electoral regulations, procedures: in Q In January 2014, the Management Arrangements for the IECC under the ELECT II project were finalized. On 15 January 2014, the interim Strategic and Operational Plan 2014 and 2014 IECC Planning Timeline were shared by the IECC with donors. On 4 February, procedures on filing and adjudication of election challenges and complaints were approved, as well as guidelines on archiving, on registration of challenges and complaints, on filling out complaint forms in polling stations, and on filing complaints on Election Day. In February 2014, the IEC and IECC are in the process of finalizing an MoU regarding the establishment of a coordination mechanism between both electoral bodies. 68 P a g e

75 OUTPUT 7: The integrity of the electoral process is enhanced through a fully-supported media regulatory body 7.1. Media Commission Indicator 7.1.a timely establishment and fully staffing of media regulatory body The Media Commission has been formally established on 4 December 2013, recruitment process followed. With the appointment of five-member Media Commission by the IEC on 4 December 2013, after a consultative screening process, the Media Commission was officially established in accordance with Article 61 of the Electoral Law. This was well within the 90 day legal deadline prior to Election Day. The timely establishment of the IEC Media Commission allows the IEC to monitor equitable media access and coverage during the presidential campaign period from 2 February until 2 April 2014, and the provincial campaign period from 2 March until 2 April. The Media Commission is also mandated to witness a silence period 48 hours before polling day on 5 April 2014, as well as the observance by both presidential and provincial council candidates and media to refrain from public campaigning before the start of the respective campaign periods. IEC Head of External Relations Department and the Chairperson of the Media Commission (08 December 2013) - Photo by ELECT II The IEC Media Commission mandate includes: Provide guidelines and issue Code of Conduct for media organizations to ensure fair reporting of the electoral campaign, in compliance with the rules established by IEC; Develop internal procedures (for IEC approval) for addressing media-related complaints; Sensitize and inform media about rules and reporting standards for the electoral campaign media coverage, as embodied in the Electoral Law and Codes of Conduct; Monitor the reporting and fair broadcasting of the electoral campaigns by the mass media; Verify the media comply with the electoral campaign and 48 hour silence period regulations, as well as all relevant rules and Code of Conduct; Receive and address complaints for alleged breaches of fair reporting and coverage of political campaign, and other violations of the Mass Media Code of Conduct; 69 P a g e

76 Take appropriate measures in cases of violations, in line with its mandate, and when necessary Refer the offender person for prosecution to the relevant authorities after approval of the Commission. The selection criteria for Media Commission members were set out by the IEC regulation for its establishment, which emphasized educational and professional qualifications in the media field. A Selection Committee, including media representatives (both private and public sectors), shortlisted 13 eligible candidates, from which the IEC Board of Commissioners appointed the five-member Media Commission. The five members of the Media Commission includes: Ms. Fardia Nekzad (Chair), Hashmatullah Radfar (Deputy Chair), Iman Mohammad Warymoch, Abdul Wakil Naibi, and Najib Alla Askzai. The Chair and Deputy Chair were chosen through an internal election amongst the five members. ELECT II recruited an Elections and Media expert in July 2013, to advise the IEC on the establishment and functioning of the IEC Media Commission. Subsequently, ELECT II prepared a Concept Paper for the IEC on the establishment of the Media Commission based on consultations with the IEC and other stakeholders, including media representatives. Key recommendations of the concept paper were largely followed by the IEC, including the five-member composition which was maintained as an effective model, and a composition based on highly qualified commissioners with the necessary professional experience on media regulatory issues. Although the Media Commission is established under the overall authority of the IEC, it should have the necessary professional authority to effectively advise the IEC on media regulatory matters, which in turn will enhance the overall credibility of the IEC. The concept paper was produced based on consultations with the IEC and other electoral stakeholders, including media representatives. To assist the IEC Media Commission to fulfill its mandate, ELECT II initiated in late 2013 the process of procuring a third party media monitoring service to provide the Media Commission with statistical reports measuring equitable access for candidates to media and fair reporting. The recruitment process for an ELECT II international media monitoring consultant, familiar with international methodology for media monitoring, also commenced in late Indicator 7.1.b. the extent to which regulations and operating procedures are developed in a qualitative and timely manner On 29 October 2013, the IEC approved the Regulation on the establishment of the Media Commission. On 17 December, the IEC approved the Regulation of the media activities during the electoral campaign (revised on 14 January 2014) ELECT II assisted the IEC with the development of the Regulation on the establishment of the Media Commission (October 2013), which details duties and responsibility of the Media Commission, as well as criteria for the selection of its members. This regulation was approved by the IEC on 29 October 2013, and was the 70 P a g e

77 basis to select the Media Commissioners in a timely manner through a consultative process. Following the establishment of the Media Commission on 4 December 2013, ELECT II provided input on the Regulation of the media activities during the electoral campaign, underscoring the importance of transparency and a level playing field regarding broadcasting and publishing of paid political advertising during the campaign period. This regulation was initially approved by the IEC on 17 December After subsequent consultative meetings with media representatives in December, 2013, the IEC adopted amendments on 14 January, 2014, in particular on the issue of media coverage of candidates before the campaign period, as well as regarding the conduct of opinion polls. The publication of opinion polls requires the Media Commission to monitor accuracy and credibility of reports. For this purpose, the Media Commission is required to develop a mechanism to ensure such monitoring. Furthermore, ELECT II is further assisting the IEC on the development of the internal procedures for mediarelated complaints and adjudication. 25 In addition, ELECT II also initiated in 2013 a procurement process to contract a thirdparty media monitoring entity which will provide regular statistical reports to the IEC Media Commission on the respective presidential and provincial council candidates equitable media access for all candidates and fair media environment. Indicator 7.1.c. timeliness of the release of the post-election Media Commission report N/A in 2013 The Media Commission is obliged to produce its media assessment report 45 days after the elections. 25 The IEC approved on 9 February 2014 the internal procedure, drafted by the Media Commission, for adjudication of complaints related to media-violations. A complaint form was also issued and made available to all PEO and on the website. In accordance with the Electoral Law, any voter, citizen, candidate, political party or organization may address to the Media Commission complaints related to media misbehavior. 71 P a g e

78 EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR During 2013, a total of USD 87,623 was spent for output 7. For more details, please see Annex 2. Below is a snapshot of where ELECT II is in relation to its annual targets Table 7: Progress Update 2013 Output BASELINE Baseline a.: 1 month before polling day Baseline b: NA Baseline c: 45 days after elections 2013 ANNUAL TARGETS 7.1.a (2013) Media regulatory body fully established and staffed by 16 November (revised electoral timeline in line with the new Electoral Law and the shortened Campaign Period, initial establishment was foreseen on 17 October.) 7.1.b. (2013) Media monitoring systems, procedures and processes developed/revised and implemented 7.1.c: NA 2013 ACTUAL COMMENTS 7.1.a. Media Commission officially appointed and established on 4 December Elect II provided in September concept paper to IEC regarding establishment of the Media Commission and the consultative recruitment and appointment process and procedures for commissioners 7.1.b. Media Regulation developed and approved in December 2013; revised in January 2014 after informative consultation sessions with media representatives in December 2013 On Track 7.1.a: completed : - revision of media regulation in January Third party media monitoring established in Jan/Feb Media monitoring procedures further developed/re vised in Q c: after elections 72 P a g e

79 IV. GENDER SPECIFIC RESULTS In terms of broadening democratic participation in the electoral process, women are a top priority. In 2013, the IEC, with ELECT II assistance, incorporated gender issues in its Strategic Plan, as well as its Public Outreach, External Relations, Voter Registration and Candidate Nomination plans and activities. ELECT II also facilitated wellfunctioning linkages between the different internal IEC entities the Gender Unit and the Public Outreach Gender Focal Point- to facilitate internal coordination to institutionally mainstream gender issues. In order to achieve significant female participation in the electoral process, the IEC, with the support the ELECT II Gender Advisor, has also developed a Gender Strategy and Action Plan for VR public outreach, both through indirect (TV/radio) and direct activities (seminars, face-to-face interactions). One TV PSA specifically targets eligible female voters, and another focuses on youth, including young women. In addition, in order to promote women s registration as voters in spring 2013, the IEC instructed its provincial offices to meet with, and seek the support of: Governors, Directorates of Women s affairs, women s councils and other organizations working on women s issues; provincial council members; Hajj Directorates; and principals of girls schools. In addition, Provincial Electoral Officers were also asked to analyze the trends and potential influencing factors with regard to women s participation in respective provinces. Furthermore, provincial-level consultations took place in all provinces with religious leaders, CSOs, and influential women and women s networks, with the aim of encouraging women s participation in the VR process and by extension in the upcoming elections (see above under public outreach). IEC Kabul Province consultation seminar with influential women and women networks (17 September 2013) Photo by ELECT II A wide range of IEC gender mainstreaming activities and data, comprising comparison to previous elections (and including maps, is available on the IEC website: 73 P a g e

80 a. IEC Gender Strategy and Institutional Gender Mainstreaming In 2013, ELECT II closely assisted the IEC with the development of a Gender Strategy and related action plans that address gender needs within the institution, as well as during electoral operations. The overall IEC Gender Strategy aims to provide a strategic direction towards achieving the goal of gender equality in electoral processes, and within the IEC structure itself. The IEC Gender Unit, with the support of ELECT II, also looked into internal measures for strengthening and promoting gender mainstreaming. The Gender Unit provided input, through a gender lens, to: the development of the VR Operations Plan; the Elections Operational Plan; a number of regulations to further elaborate upon the Electoral Law, including the regulations on campaigning, campaign financing, and vote count. ELECT II also supported the IEC with the conduct of several internal presentations and trainings in relation to the voter registration top-up exercise and the candidate nomination campaign, from a gender perspective. The IEC also recruited and trained 34 provincial gender officers, to give attention to gender issues in electoral operations, and public outreach and external relations activities, and are overseen by the IEC Gender Unit in Kabul. IEC gender coordination group meeting (Kabul, 11 November 2013) Photo by ELECT II Furthermore, although ELECT II has no direct impact on IEC recruitment, it assists the IEC s Gender Unit in promoting female recruitment at the IEC s HQ as well as its provincial offices. The following table includes a gender breakdown of IEC HQ and provincial staff, with distinction between IEC permanent staff and long-term temporary staff. Staff Category HQ Provincial Offices Permanent Staff LT Temporary Staff Permanent Staff LT Temporary Staff Total Female % Total Female % Total Female % Total Female % Staff % % % % Ajeeran % 0 0 NA % 0 0 NA Ajeeran Belmaqta % 0 0 NA 0 0 NA 0 0 NA Grand Total % % % % Table: IEC staff gender breakdown, according to permanent and long-term temporary staff, at HQ and provincial offices, respectively. b. IEC s efforts on promoting women to participate in candidate nomination 74 P a g e

81 The most prominent decision from the IEC that boosted women s candidacy in the candidate registration process was the reimbursement of the candidate deposit for women. In view of the low number of female participation in 11 provinces, the IEC decided that female provincial council candidates who do not win and/or fail to secure 2% of the valid vote, will receive a refund of their monetary candidate registration deposit after the announcement of the results of the elections. (See also above in the section of candidate nomination.) Overall, the IEC decisions on CN included i) reimbursement of the deposits paid by PC female candidates, ii) support in publishing posters (this is for both male and female presidential and provincial candidates), and iii) training for PC candidates (both male and female) among other decisions were made public by the IEC on the 28 September. The IEC developed various outreach messages that were disseminated through different mediums. TV and radio PSAs on candidate nomination and women s participation were broadcast through 7 TV channels and about 30 national and local radios both in Dari and Pashto languages. Provincial Seminars for religious leaders, and influential women and youth networks, were organized separately in all provinces. A first round of nationwide provincial seminars were conducted in mid-2013, with a specific session on women s participation in elections with a focus on female candidacy was conducted during the seminars. Up to 300 participants attended the seminars in each province. These meetings were primarily modeled upon 17 seminars organized at district-level in Kabul Province in early 2013, focusing on women s participation. In this case, the meetings were organized in cooperation of the Ministry of Hajj for the purpose of enhancing the participation of women in the voter registration process, and all other aspects of the electoral process. [This cooperation between the IEC and the Ministry of Hajj also extended to the issuance of a thutba or religious declaration that was shared with all Imams nationwide to be read in mosques encouraging and accepting women s participation in elections.] In addition, in December, 2013, a second round of nationwide provincial seminars were again conducted, this time aimed at youth networks and emphasizing young women s participation in elections. Meeting of the IEC Gender and Elections Coordination Group (25 September 2013) with (acting) head Farida of IEC s Gender Unit - Photo by IEC Since April 2013, the IEC has been organizing meetings of the Gender and Elections Coordination Group. This coordination group brings together a wide range of national and international partners with similar objectives to promote women s 75 P a g e

82 participation in the electoral process, and to this end to develop mutually reinforcing cooperation initiatives. In 2013, the IEC organized five of these meetings. A major achievement that was conceptualized in these meetings was the full reimbursement of the candidate deposit for women, as one measure to address the initial low numbers of female registration. Another outcome of the meetings includes coordination efforts to support IEC in identifying potential female staff to be recruited in the electoral process. c. Female participation in the Voter Registration Given the cultural context and considerations, when planning the VR top-up exercise, the IEC estimated women s registration was expected to be in the 30 % range. By the end of 2013, the IEC indicated it registered almost 35% women. However, at the beginning of the VR process, female turnout was very low. ELECT II supported the IEC by taking different measures to enhance female registration, such as more suitable and/or mobile female VR stations during the second phase. Female IEC staff attend a Voter Registration Training of Trainers session (April-May 2013) - Photo by ELECT II The IEC has been consistently monitoring women s registration figures in the current VR processes. The first week s assessment on 2 June revealed only 17 % of female registration, in view of which, the IEC sent out a Directive to the Provincial IEC offices on 3rd June to organize meetings with the offices of the Provincial Governor and Ministry of Women, encouraging information dissemination on VR targeting women. By the start of the district level voter registration, around 20 percent of female voters were registered. The provinces with low female registration by the end of first phase were Paktika, Logar, Nuristan, Panshir, Urozgan, Kandahar and Nanghar, with less than 10 % female registration. These provinces are also highly security sensitive, as well as being considered as more conservative. Zabul Province in 2013 has been able to register 17 % female voters, which is the highest female registration figure for the province so far. The major reasons for low participation of women are attributed to the security situation, as well as deep rooted traditional and cultural beliefs that create barriers to women s participation. Also, women voters are more likely to register towards the end of the process, and when the registration facilities are closer to home. The IEC envisaged an increased number of female registrations after the implementation of 76 P a g e

83 second phase of VR, as it established registration centres and stations in District Capitals in closer proximity to voters. To promote greater participation of voters, and focusing on female registration, the IEC took some actions including extension of the VR for one and a half months, and the deployment of mobile VR stations to better reach out to women. As expected, the registration figure for females did increase from September onwards, and by end of 2013, the level of women s registration was almost 35%. The IEC conducted its public outreach activities focusing on VR, and specific activities were targeted at female voters. As noted, the IEC organized consultations with Mullah s on the importance of female participation in VR across all provinces, and in all 17 districts in Kabul. In addition, the IEC also organized seminars with influential men and women in all provinces with the objective to ensure multiplier effect of information dissemination through the influential leaders. Leaflets, as well as TV and Radio PSAs, were also developed targeting female voters. In July, the Voter Information - Call Centre was established to provide election related information, and both women and men called to receive information form male and female operators. The IEC has called upon the governmental and civil society representatives to support the IEC in its efforts to promote women s engagement in the electoral process, especially by mobilizing their networks in provinces to spread messages on the importance of women s participation in elections. Picture 1: IEC event held in Kabul for religious leaders, emphasizing women s participation in elections - photo IEC Picture 2: Women registering for a voter ID card at a Female voter registration centre in Bamyan (August 2013) photo ELECT II d. UN Joint Guidelines for Enhancing the Role of Women in Countries Emerging from Conflict or Political Transition ELECT II cooperated with UN Women in 2013 in reviewing the draft UN Joint Guidelines, thus contributing Afghan experience to these global guidelines. 77 P a g e

84 Snapshot: IEC female staff per province - source: [For a clear image in pdf, refer to: 78 P a g e

85 V. PARTNERSHIPS A. Implementation partner The IEC is UNDP s only implementing partner for the ELECT II project. However, the revised ELECT II project document foresees also UNDP support to the IECC but within the overall aegis of ELECT II and not as a separate implementing partner. To avoid any real or alleged conflict of interest, assistance to the IECC was subcontracted by the UNDP to UNOPS (administrative support) and to IFES (advisory/technical support), with funding channeled through ELECT II. B. International donor partners ELECT II is currently funded by 14 international donor partners 26 and intends to maintain very close donor relations. Through the various forums such as the Project Board meeting, the Technical Working Group and the ELECT II Donor Group, partners are kept abreast of matters, and have an input on issues related to the project. C. UN (UNAMA / UNWOMEN / UNOPS/ LOTFA) On 19 March 2013, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of UNAMA for another year through resolution The mandate foresees a specific section on electoral support. The deputy SRSG is the co-chair of the ELECT II project board. UNAMA and ELECT II are in regular discussion on electoral issues, in particular since UNAMA plays a convening role with political stakeholders of the electoral process. In addition, UNAMA also organizes coordination meetings on elections with the international community in which ELECT II also participates. ELECT II Project Board Meeting (3/9/2013): from left to right: IEC CEO Ziaulhaq Amarkhil, IEC Chair Yousuf Nuristani, UN Deputy SRSG Nicholas Haysom, UNDP Country Director Alvaro Rodrigues, and ELECT II STA Oskar Lehner. Photo by ELECT II 26 From an technical-administrative perspective, the Government of Japan supports the IEC through two separate project contribution, which however are implemented by ELECT II and directly serve ELECT II outputs. 79 P a g e

86 Synergies are also established between UNDP, UNWOMEN and UNOPS to support and or implement different electoral initiatives. UNWOMEN is a partner in gender mainstreaming and has played an active role in the Gender and Elections Coordination Meetings. ELECT II representatives met with a UNWOMEN consultant visiting Afghanistan in August to advise on an electoral support project for women, complimentary to ELECT II, and offered their advice and suggestions. UNOPS is, as mentioned above, one of the two partners UNDP is subcontracting to establish the IECC. In addition, the UNDP Law and Order Trust Fund (LOTFA) working together with the Ministry of Interior will facilitate the recruitment of an estimated 13,000 female security body searchers during polling. D. Civil society organizations and I/NGOs, government agencies, political parties, observers and media Together with the IEC, ELECT II closely works together with other national and international partners to optimize the electoral process. In 2013, the IEC and ELECT II were in close consultation with (electoral) civil society organizations and international NGOs, government agencies, political parties, observers and media to discuss the voter registration updates as well as the possibilities and modalities for observers accreditation, in particular to inform them on electoral updates as well as to engage them in public outreach, gender messaging and participation in electoral operations, such as voter registration and candidate nomination. ELECT II participates regularly in UNAMA-convened information sharing meetings with a range of international partners working on electoral issues, as well as regularly attending meetings convened by USAID with implementing partners. In addition, as mentioned above, UNDP is subcontracted IFES to provide technical assistance to the IECC. IFES also supported the ELECT II project in conceptualizing and preparing of provincial seminars for influential women s networks. E. Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF/NATO ELECT II, together with UNAMA, assisted the IEC in bringing together the Afghan National Army (ANA), Ministry of Defense (MoD), the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and ISAF/NATO to discuss the security aspects of electoral operations, with the immediate focus being on voter registration security and the possibility of air transport of materials to remote areas. When the logistical and security preparation for the voter registration top-up exercise intensified throughout the second quarter, the frequency of meetings increased to multiple sessions a week on different levels. In quarter three, MoI provided an initial feedback of its security assessment of 6,845 polling centres, identified by the IEC for the next elections. Ongoing coordination ultimately defined in February 2014 the maximum number of 80 P a g e

87 6,775 polling centres to be secured by ANSF on polling day. 27 F. Other Afghan government partners (MoI, MoCIT, MoF) The IEC is engaged with MoI and MoCIT to discuss linkages regarding the implementation of the electronic national ID card (e-tazkira). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IEC, MoI, MoF, and MoCIT has been prepared to pilot the electronic national ID card (e-tazkira) project for Kabul, and will be signed once the legal framework of the e-tazkira is in place. The IEC has committed to accepting the e-tazkira as a valid voting card in the forthcoming elections as relevant depending upon e-tazkira progress. Furthermore, it has agreed that in the longer-term, once the e-tazkira is issued, it shall be used as a standard voting card in lieu of all previous VR cards issued by the IEC. The IEC also agrees it will work in full coordination with the MoI on this issue. The IEC is also in consultation with the MoF regarding the budget discussion that relates to electoral assistance being on and off budget (i.e. being channeled through the national treasury or otherwise) for electoral assistance. VI. RISKS In December 2013, together with a risks assessment specialist from the UNDP CO, ELECT II revised its comprehensive project risk assessment according to the different outputs. The revised assessment consisted of two steps: It consisted of two phases according to the new UNDP risk formats, reflected in two different excel templates. The first exercise, composing the risk score card, includes a list with all possible risks, and scoring them on likelihood and impact (1 to 6). The second exercise, the risk event card, zooms in on the most significant risks and includes mitigation measures, likelihood and impact scores after mitigation, unintended outcomes, and monitoring. A reassessment of each risk will be done a quarterly basis and incorporated in the project quarterly progress report. Part of the revised ELECT II Project Document includes a detailed and comprehensive Risk Log for all activities per output. Relevant project risks are updated and spelled out in detail in Annex 5. Main risks to the project and possible issues to take care of include: Deterioration of political and security situation Weather circumstances affect electoral operations Polling centres do not represent the actual distribution of the population resulting in possible disenfranchisement of voting populations due to incorrect number or 27 The actual number of opened polling centres on E-Day will depend on security developments. 81 P a g e

88 location of polling centres. Electoral malpractices (before, during, or after elections) and fraud Independence of the IEC/IECC undermined due to political interference; nonimpartiality of IEC/IECC/Media Commission Rather ineffective IECC due to delays in fully establishment and functioning Incorrect or unstructured results release Poor female participations Low public awareness of electoral processes IEC fails to recruit and/or promote qualified male and female polling staff Delayed procurement and (transport) delivery of electoral goods, hindering electoral operations within the electoral timeline Competing (project) priorities of on the one had ensuring effective conduct of the elections versus on the other hand requests to attend trainings and professional development activities may result in the latter not being achieved for key staff or key staff absences during critical operational periods. The lack of training and development opportunities, fair salary structures, effective performance management procedures and institutional belonging may result in a high turnover of staff, and hence affecting the IEC's the technical and operational capacity and sustainability, and overall resulting in a Damaged credibility of the IEC and the electoral process. The top-up voter registration is insufficient to establish an improved credible voter registry and guarantee voting rights, including the risk of multiple voting due to more (old and new) VR cards in circulation according to estimated voting population VII. ISSUES Prominent already on-going issues, derived from the risk log, include: a. Security Security threats are not only a risk but also an ongoing issue, as it requires constant mitigation planning and flexibility of staff moral to deal with it including difficulties for the project regarding recruitment and staff retention in this environment. b. Lack of a uniform voter registry The lack of a uniform voter registry (and absence of an electronic ID card system) did remove an extra safeguard to mitigate fraud. Together with ELECT II support, the IEC decided to use not only indelible ink for voters and pilot the use of UV ink to avoid multiple voting, as well as puncturing voter cards with a puncture design uniquely for these elections. However, the absence of a uniform voter registry and the inability to link voters with polling centres, makes it difficult for the IEC to estimate the maximum number of possible voters per polling 82 P a g e

89 centre. Based on previous turnout figures, VR data and CSO estimates, the IEC is planning to establish polling stations per 600 voters. Visit to the IEC and the ELECT II team by UNDP Deputy-Director of the Regional Bureau of Asia and the Pacific, Nicholas Rosellini and UNDP Director of the Bureau of Management, Jens Wendell. [from left to right: Alvaro Rodrigues (UNDP Country Director), Jens Wendell, Nicholas Rosellini, Deryck Fritz (ELECT II CTA), Yuxue Xue (Deputy- Country Director) photo by ELECT II] c. IEC Public Outreach through local civil society groups The IEC underperformed through the voter registration exercise to fully engage with local civil society groups as a means to enhance public outreach. For the 2014 elections, the ELECT II has advised the IEC to improve this to conduct more stakeholder coordination meetings, including the IEC s decision to transfer printed materials for distribution to civil society networks, as well as doubling the number of CVEs. d. Final polling centre list At the end of 2013, the final polling centres list was not final yet, hampering proper electoral, logistics and security planning. [On 18 February 2014, the IECC confirmed that the maximum 6,775 polling centres will be opened. However, this number could reduce due to security developments, making it essential to properly track movement of sensitive electoral materials to only actual opened polling centres.] e. IECC The late establishment of the IECC in 2013 requires close follow-up by all partners involved assisting the electoral complaints body to be fully operational at HQ and provincial level at a level where it can meets its mandate f. IEC staff salary remunerations At the end of 2013, ELECT II, under the lead of the UNDP Country Office, assisted the IEC with discussions with the Director-General of the Budget Office to regulate the salary structure of IEC staff as per accordance to the Afghan Law. Political appointments, including IEC/IECC Commissioners and CEOs, are not allowed to receive salary remunerations above their Government salary as per Afghan Law. All other IEC tashkeel staff, not politically appointed, will 83 P a g e

90 receive their tashkeel salary and a CBR allowance. The temporary IEC staff could then be placed on the National Technical Allowance (NTA) scale. A later communication letter by the MoF in early 2014 informed that the implementation would be waved until post-election period. g. National Implementation Modality Another major step in the direction of sustainability of electoral assistance would be to eventually move increasingly towards on-budget modalities. Following Presidential Decree 45, which essentially states that electoral assistance should move on-budget, discussions took place in 2013 among donor partners, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) and the UN. As these discussions are intended to be forward looking, an informed analysis assessing the strengths and liabilities of moving electoral assistance on-budget was deemed desirable. UNDP therefore fielded a high-level independent mission, termed as the Grants Agreement and Risk Management (GARMIN) mission. The mission looked into the respective budget lines of the electoral operations, and recommended certain budget lines that could possibly move onbudget. Based on the GARMIN report recommendations, discussions had begun between the MoF and the IEC. Discussions focused on possible cost categories and percentage that could be transferred on-budget, keeping in mind the context of a compressed and time-bound electoral process and constitutionally-mandated independence of the IEC. With the beginning of the electoral season, these discussions have been postponed but are expected to resume, and the cost categories and percentages to be further developed for the 2015 elections. For more details, see Issues Log in annex P a g e

91 VIII. LESSONS LEARNED As the end of 2013 represents the mid-way point in the extended ELECT II project, which was originally due to finish in December 2013, but has now been extended to run until December 2015, this is an opportune moment to reflect on the first two years of project delivery and lessons learnt. While ELECT II was originally conceived as an inter-election capacity development project, and has now been revised to incorporate direct electoral assistance to the 2014/15 elections, lessons learned thus far could further improve progress in achieving outputs as well as enhancing electoral processes in general. Efficiency of UN electoral support Role and coordination between UNAMA, UNDP and ELECT II UNDP Country Director Alvaro Rodriguez addressing ELECT II staff at the project annual review workshop on 28 November 2013 Photo by ELECT II The mid-term review of the initial ELECT II project in early 2013 stated that one of the elements in the protracted discussions on VR between the project and its donors, which resulted in misplaced expectations, related to some misunderstanding of the roles of the UNDP CO and UNAMA in the process: A clearer understanding of ELECT II s boundaries would be helped by a clearer understanding of the roles of other parts of the UN system in Afghanistan, in particular the UNDP Country Office (CO) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which has the political mandate. These misplaced expectations, to the extent that they generate contradictory pressures from donors onto the project, could actually undermine the more essential and operational objectives of the project to which all stakeholders have agreed 28. Learning from the experiences in 2012, the ELECT II Technical Working Group sometimes became a forum for intensive discussions on aspects of electoral planning with broad political implications beyond the project s scope. Therefore, in 2013, the UNAMA convened electoral informational sharing meetings provided a better forum for discussion whereby topics could be addressed from a political perspective, with ELECT II in a (guest) role to provide technical updates as relevant. This permits the ELECT II Technical Working Group and Project Board Meetings to bring together the IEC, ELECT II, UNDP CO, UNAMA and donor partners for a more focused technical review of electoral developments and the IEC s progress. In addition, the revised project document now explicitly mentions the UNAMA D-SRSG role as the co-chair of the 28 Mid-Term Review Phase B Report Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow Phase II (ELECT II) ; 30 April 2013; Page P a g e

92 ELECT II Project Board, enabling UNAMA to guide discussions in a manner that acknowledges the technical imperatives of electoral planning and implementation, yet maintaining a link to the broader political environment. At the same time, with the appointment of an Elections Programme Specialist, the UNDP CO also increased its involvement by providing programmatic support to the project, particularly in a project assurance and donor relations capacity. UNDP CO explicitly portrayed itself as the entity to be addressed by donor partners for all programmatic matters, including funding and financial matters. Support from the international community to the project is now programmatically managed through the UNDP CO, valuable in e.g. highlighting funding gaps and providing a platform for coordination of activities as the operational tempo has increased. The framework in which UNAMA, UNDP CO and ELECT II play distinct but complementary roles in support of the electoral process has appeared to be UNAMA taking the lead in terms of political issues and facilitation, and the UNDP CO being the programmatic focal entity for the project s donor relations, it has allowed ELECT II to focus specifically on its capacity building and technical assistance role, underscored by a comparative best practices approach. Close coordination and communication between all three entities, with a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, provided a solid basis for integrated electoral support by the UN in Afghanistan. This has also furthered the UN s ability to speak with one voice on electoral matters, to play an effective supporting role with regard to upcoming elections while managing expectations, and ultimately keeping a constant focus on the fact that the 2014 elections will be Afghan led and Afghan managed. 29 Afghanisation of the electoral process, international basket funding to Afghan electoral bodies, and focused technical ELECT II support ELECT II responded to several important paradigm shifts compared to its predecessor ELECT, such as: 1) the concept of Afghanisation - the transition context towards decreased international support and presence after 2014; 2) a realistic, focused and practical approach to electoral support; and 3) electoral support programming should not be conceived as event-based, but rather according to a cyclical approach. As a major lesson learned from the initial ELECT project, ELECT II s mandate has been defined as purely focusing on assisting the Afghan electoral bodies, and not becoming distracted by direct engagement with the wider electoral stakeholder community - including domestic observers, the media, political parties, police and civil society. The broad range of activities that were included in the (revised) 2008 ELECT 29 In this context, it has been agreed that, from the UN s side, only the SRSG and the D-SRSG (and the official designated UNAMA spokesperson) will speak in 2014 with media on the preparation, conduct and outcome of the presidential and provincial council elections and all related political considerations. 86 P a g e

93 project scope, ultimately diluted the original ELECT project s focus, and detracted from its core function of strengthening the electoral bodies in 2009 and In sum, it has proven to be successful to streamline technical and financial support from the international community to the IEC in a collective and well-coordinated effort. The basis for the ELECT II project has been the wide consensus among IEC and donor partners that international technical support to Afghan electoral authorities would be most effectively maintained through a UNDP-managed basket fund and an associated UNDP-led electoral assistance project. In addition, related to the principle of a focused approach, it has been agreed that support to complementary activities beyond the Afghan electoral bodies, should be pursued on a different basis outside the ELECT II basket fund. In line with this approach, UNDP maintained a consistent line in 2013 during discussions of expanding ELECT II for the purposes of providing support to the MoI and the MOCIT for the development of the e-tazkira project, noting that ELECT II had not been designed with a civil registry expertise or dimension. The risk to project effectiveness, through poorly designed and under-supervised subcontracts which were not directly correlated to the core electoral expertise, was again taken into consideration in order not to dilute the core rationale of the project. Continued capacity building: the electoral cycle approach As already identified as an important lesson learnt during the original ELECT project ( ), ongoing support to the IEC during the inter-election period, in terms of capacity enhancement and Afghanisation of the electoral process, would be crucial for effective conduct of the 2014 and 2015 cycle of elections 31. Electoral operations are widely acknowledged as fundamental to the credibility of elections. However, operations are only one component of a sound electoral cycle. The fact that international community support to the IEC was not maintained during the first interelectoral period between the elections and the elections, and the institution had to effectively be resurrected in preparation for the 2009/10 elections, contributed to some extent to electoral challenges faced in those elections. To consolidate the gains from the past 2009 and 2010 elections, the international community and the IEC agreed in 2011 to transform the original ELECT project first 30 UNDP/ELECT II , Project End Report, page 56: According to revisions to the ELECT Project Document in December 2008, ELECT (I) expanded the scope of its mandate to include a range of complementary activities and engage the wider stakeholder community including domestic observers, the media, political parties, police and civil society as a way to ensure the positive contribution of each to the electoral process, according to their respective mandate. However, rather than enhancing ELECT support as envisaged, the broad range of activities weakened the project, serving as a distraction from core objectives and diluting staff capacity. By limiting its scope to technical and operational support in 2010, ELECT was able to refocus its support. Utilitarian in nature, this approach sought the greatest results with the least possible investment and exposure. While targeting the support to core functions of the electoral authorities, the UN could ensure essential assistance, without the distraction of other activities, while also limiting its profile. 31 UNDP/ELECT II , Project End Report, page P a g e

94 into the ELECT II capacity development project in 2012 and 2013, in order to maximize the capacity development focus during the inter-election phase. Only in mid-2013, it was decided to that the ELECT II project would also be expanded into an electoral support project for 2014 and Efficiency of ELECT II capacity development and electoral support to the IEC Output 1: staff and organizational capacity enhancement At the end of 2013, it is perceived by all partners that the technical capacity of the IEC to conduct the 2014 elections has never been so robust and reliable in terms of planning, implementation and readiness. A key element to this success can be related to the nature of the capacity development approach as followed by ELECT II. Already initiated in 2010, ELECT II elaborated in 2012 and 2013 the concept of co-locating management, advisors and support staff within the IEC. ELECT II is almost in daily contact with the IEC management, while advisors are deployed across the spectrum of IEC departments, inter-acting on a daily basis with IEC counterparts, and in particular IEC department heads. As stipulated above, the revised advisory role of ELECT II permitted the project to create an enabling environment for the transmission of electoral knowledge and expertise, and thereby assisting the Secretariat to take electoral planning and implementation decisions on the basis of solid technical input and best practices. The late EC deputy-ceo and Chief of Operations Mr. Mohammed Hashim Samim, who passed away on 12 January 2013 ELECT II initially focused on technical capacity enhancement of IEC staff, whether through specific trainings for all staff, as well as tailored support to IEC Secretariat members by being collocated and permanently working alongside IEC management and department heads. An important lesson drawn from the Capacity Development Assessment conducted end 2012 and early 2013, was to expand the capacity development efforts also to an organizational level, in particular by strengthening processes through the development and implementation of standard operating procedures. In order to ensure sustainability of the IEC, ELECT II further needs to look at long-term solutions that preserve the enhanced staff capacity and organizational processes, decreased dependency on the knowledge of a few staff, and benefits from institutional knowledge amassed during the preparation stage for the 2014/15 elections. This approach also served the IEC as an institution in times of leadership personnel changes. This institutional development approach includes the development of Standard Operating Procedures. 88 P a g e

95 Output 2: conduct of the voter registration and the question of an electronic civic registry From a technical-operational perspective, the IEC voter registration top up campaign could be considered as a success. The entire VR process provided excellent lessons learned for the preparation and operations of the elections itself and strongly enhanced the IEC s internal planning, coordination and communication mechanisms, in particular between HQ and the provincial offices, instrumental for the success of the conduct of the actual elections. From a conceptual aspect, the IEC and ELECT II did not manage to ensure sufficient support from different key stakeholders for the two initial VR plans, the conduct of a new registration and VR cards validation exercise. Different aspects, including questions of inclusiveness, technical feasibility and acceptability were raised. However, above all, the voter registration debate was overshadowed by the question whether Afghanistan s priority would not be the development of an (electronic) civil registry from which a voter register could be derived. An important lesson learned for the project was the welcomed involvement of both UNAMA and UNDP CO in the VR-related discussions, of which some aspects basically superseded beyond ELECT II s project scope. This involvement framed the positive relationship dynamics between UNAMA, UNDP CO and ELECT II on electoral issues. UNAMA was more appropriately placed to provide a forum for the politicized discussions, with an electoral Needs Assessment Mission ultimately concluding the parameters of an extended UN role in the 2014 and 2015 elections. UNDP CO provided the forum to discuss the expansion of the ELECT II project and gave guidance to partners in terms of deciding the limits of the project scope, in particular the advice not to include the e-tazkira project as a separate output of ELECT II, based on rationale as articulated above. Output 3: enhanced engagement with the electorate and key stakeholders The public outreach campaign in 2013 allowed the IEC (and ELECT II) to revise the comprehensive public outreach strategy for 2014, in particular based on results of a survey and stakeholder assessment conducted for the IEC s internal purposes. Weaker points already identified in the 2013 campaign included the missed opportunity to better engage with local CSOs to further distribute electoral materials. Furthermore, for the 2014 elections campaign, ELECT II included an element of third party monitoring for IEC public outreach activities as well as the deployment of civic and voter educators. In general, in terms of engagement of the electorate at-large in the electoral process, the following observation can be made that despite the IEC s informative and motivational public outreach efforts, much more still needs to be done to improve 89 P a g e

96 women s and youth participation in the electoral process. This is not the sole responsibility of the IEC. CPAP Outcome 4 that indicates that state and non-state institutions are better able to promote democratic participation and be accountable to the public. The lesson to be learned is that it cannot be expected from an electoral support project, which is developed to enhance the capacity of electoral bodies, to solely contribute to wide-spread civic and voter awareness, civil society engagement and the formation of political entities. It is important that UNDP continues to clearly define its envisaged outcome, supported by underlying projects, in this regard in a realistic manner. Output 4: The IEC s operational management functions and the project support services are provided in a transparent, efficient and effective manner A main recommendation of the project s interim evaluation report in early 2013 included the strengthening of the project s management support unit. Besides being able to recruit an operations manager, who also closely assists the IEC as advisor with its operational support functions, ELECT II also expanded the team with extra procurement specialists, in addition to engagement of the UNDP s global procurement support office (PSO) in Copenhagen. Procurement of electoral materials faces a wide range of different constraints, related to the huge quantity, the desired quality, the choice between domestic versus international procurement, the complicated procurement procedures, the sensitivity around electoral materials, and the time-bound aspect of a precise Election Day. Certain challenges during the planning of the voter registration procurement process provided good lessons learned for the project and the IEC to procure specific electoral materials. Project procurement specialists, in close coordination with UNDP procurement specialists in the country office, the regional office and the global procurement office, developed in a timely manner a comprehensive elections procurement plan. The specifics of this approach can provide useful insights for future UNDP led electoral support projects. In terms of strengthening the IEC s operational functions, while monitoring related risks, good lessons learned included UNDP s approach to first conduct in 2013 a GARMIN mission, which provided oversight and directions of different national implementation modalities, and which also informed partners, such as donors as well as the Afghan government, of the different risks related to various modalities. Furthermore, UNDP conducted a Micro Capacity Assessment of the IEC s capacity subsequently. Although NIM has been identified as the financial modality system of UNDP s ELECT II support to the IEC, it is important to underscore the incremental process of gradually transferring processes and related risks from DIM to NIM, making sure that both the IEC and the MoF possess the requisite capacity before implementing a full NIM approach. 90 P a g e

97 Output 5: The conduct of polling, counting and result management operations by the IEC is improved As mentioned earlier, by the end 2013, all partners agree that the technical capacity of the IEC to conduct the 2014 elections has never been so robust and reliable in terms of planning, implementation and readiness. Besides on-going capacity enhancement efforts by the project to the IEC at large, another key element has been the development of a wide range of electoral plans well ahead on time and through an informative and consultative process with key Loading of electoral materials (December 2013) Photo by ELECT II stakeholders; from the announcement of the electoral calendar for the 2014 elections almost 1 ½ year before Elections Day (31 October 2012), to the Concept of Operations (February 2013), and the Electoral Operations Plan and the accompanying Security Plan and Fraud Mitigation Plan (March/April revised in July 2013). These plans were shared with key national and international stakeholders to incorporate feedback and increase ownership. All these plans considered international best practices in the most suitable way given the local context, while electoral lessons learned were included, enhancing the IEC s knowledge sustainability. Technical lessons learned from previous ELECT (I) support to IEC elections, and currently included in the upcoming elections planning include, amongst other: piloting the use of UV ink besides indelible ink, the use of transparent tampered evident bags (TEB), GIS mapping of polling centres, enhanced security features on new VR cards, the introduction of a bar coded assets tracking software (in particular for sensitive electoral materials), distribution of ballots uniquely to specific polling stations with no further re-distribution, signed records of receipt of materials, upgrades of the tally system with focus on statistical error reduction, and enhanced polling staff training regarding materiel handling and forms use. Output 6: The electoral dispute resolution mechanisms of the electoral process are enhanced In the past, the (I)ECC had to be re-established each time again, leading consequently to practical delays and limited time to organise physical structures and human resources. This IECC is currently facing similar challenges given its new establishment only in late However, now defined as a permanent body and remaining operational throughout the entire electoral cycle, the IECC can this time retain cores staff and facilities, collect a pool of institutional knowledge and capacity for future elections. It might decrease in scale in non-peak periods, but it could use interim periods to increase public awareness of the complaints process, contribute to electoral 91 P a g e

98 reform development, and maintain an oversight function so that issues could be addressed as they arise and not only during polling and the announcement of results. Although the scope of the project document allows ELECT II support simultaneously to both electoral bodies, all international key partners understood well the risk for the project of becoming involved in a potential conflict of interest between both electoral bodies during the adjudication of complaints and objections, if no firewall is put in place between elections-operational advisory and adjudication advisory. In an attempt to still have one overarching entity to channel electoral funding, UNDP and donor partners reached consensus to subcontract the technical assistance and operational support to the IECC to IFES and UNOPS respectively. This methodology could be a useful lesson learned of how to provide international support, with a potential conflicting assistance mandate, to both electoral bodies within one overarching project or programme. Output 7: The integrity of the electoral process is enhanced through a fullysupported media regulatory body To ensure an effective approach to election-related media regulation, including a consultative and recruitment process of the IEC s Media Commission, the project assisted the IEC with the development of a concept paper that outlined steps for the establishment of the Media Commission and commensurate regulatory framework, and the inclusion of a selection committee comprising of IEC secretariat staff and media representatives. This ensured a consultative and fair recruitment process, as the selection committee shortlisted 13 candidates from amongst more than 80 applicants, out of which the (IEC) Commission ultimately nominated the five Media Commission members. As a result, the Media Commission can be considered as composed of media professionals, mostly from the private sector, of which the sole female member is a well-known journalist, and eventually was selected from within as Media Commission s Chairperson. The approach of first assisting the IEC with defining the outline of the establishment of the Media Commission, including a transparent and consultative recruitment process based on technical criteria, is a good lesson learned as it enhanced the objectivity during long- and shortlisting and reduced significantly any political interference at the final appointment stage. 92 P a g e

99 IX. FUTURE PLANS With the assistance of ELECT II, the IEC enters 2014 with an improved electoral framework and enhanced professional capacity to conduct the 5 April Presidential and Provincial Council elections. (See in annex 13 the IEC electoral timeline for the 2014 elections). However, in order to maximize these advantages to the benefit of a more credible, inclusive and democratic electoral process, it is essential that the Constitutionally-mandated independence of the IEC is fully respected. The IEC Board of Commissioners and Secretariat have been vested with the highest responsibility of ensuring the right to vote for all eligible Afghan voters, and seeing that each individual s vote, including those of women, are honestly counted, aggregated and translated into final results that reflect the will of the people. The Team - ELECT II project s annual review on 28 November 2013 Photo by ELECT II Likewise, the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) also has a key role in ensuring an opportunity for voters and electoral contestants to seek judicial relief, and ensure election results in accordance with the law. Even though neither the IEC, nor the IECC, have responsibility for security challenges or the broader political environment during the electoral process, they can ensure the highest integrity and professional standards within their respective mandates. By doing so, they can ensure that the competition for political office is conducted in line with the law and upon a sound electoral administration foundation. This will be greatly facilitated by structured coordination and a collegial approach by both institutions, for the common good of the electoral process. Ultimately elected office is about serving the public interest, and a peaceful transition of power will surely serve the national interest to the highest degree, and usher in a new chapter for Afghanistan s future political life and development. 93 P a g e