Review of USAID/Afghanistan's Electoral Assistance Program
Recommendations
USAID/Afghanistan work with international donors to prompt the advertisement and letting of a subcontract under the Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow Phase II Project to address Independent Electoral Complaints Commission support requirements in a way that mitigates potential conflicts of interest.
USAID/Afghanistan coordinate with the Government of Afghanistan and the international donor community to implement a plan for supporting broad-based civic outreach and education with a focus on increasing commitment to a genuine electoral process, particularly in predominantly Pashtun areas.
USAID/Afghanistan work with international donors to finalize and implement plans for supporting independent domestic observer organizations.
USAID/Afghanistan work with the Government of Afghanistan and other international donors to identify and help meet targets for women in key electoral roles, and implement plans for the recruitment and training of needed female poll workers, voter educators, observers, and complaints commission personnel, as well as for the training of female candidate agents.
USAID/Afghanistan develop a contingency plan to address critical, time-sensitive electoral support needs that may emerge during the current electoral cycle in consultation with the Government of Afghanistan and the international donor community.
USAID/Afghanistan reevaluate and document any adjustments to its elections and political processes programming in light of Afghanistan's continuing use of the single, nontransferable voting system.
USAID/Afghanistan work with other international donors to implement a transition plan for assistance under the Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow Project - Phase II to the Independent Electoral Commission that addresses possible staffing and funding limitations to enable it to operate effectively beyond the current electoral cycle.
USAID/Afghanistan assess whether future efforts to promote the financial sustainability of the Afghan Women's Organization for Supporting Democracy, the Toran Afghanistan Developmental and Educational Organization, and the Afghanistan Youth National Social Organization would support elections and political processes portfolio objectives and implement corresponding plans as appropriate.
USAID/Afghanistan reevaluate plans for support to political parties, adjust them as appropriate, and document any changes.
USAID/Afghanistan work with Afghanistan Electoral Reform and Civil Advocacy Program officials to meet the reporting requirements specified in the program award and performance management plan.