Sunday, January 24, 2010

Funding shortfall leads to Afghan vote delay

Commission: $50 million still needed from donor countries to hold election
Sun., Jan. 24, 2010
KABUL - Afghanistan on Sunday postponed parliamentary elections until September due to a lack of funding — a move likely to be welcomed by Western countries pressing for reforms after a fraud-marred presidential poll.
The Independent Election Commission has said it still needs about $50 million from the international community to meet the vote's estimated budget of $120 million.
That funding has not been forthcoming, according to commissioner Fazel Ahmed Manawi. He also attributed the delay to security concerns and logistical challenges at a news conference to announce the decision.

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