Menu
08/09/2004
Campaigning for Afghan presidential elections begins
The campaign for Afghanistan's first open presidential election in its history formally began today, with 18 candidates heading off on the stump for the next 30 days.
The presidential election is Afghanistan's first poll since the UN Assistance Mission to the country (UNAMA) was set up to help reconstruction following a quarter century of war and Taliban hegemony. National and local parliamentary elections are scheduled for next April.
The Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) issued a statement declaring that campaigning began at 7am today and ends on the morning of 7 October, two days before more than 10.5 million registered Afghan voters - including at least 4.3 million women - are scheduled to cast their ballots.
"The political campaign must be based on the principles of freedom of expression and conducted in a climate free of intimidation, which allows for democratic debates and discussion," the UNAMA statement read.
UN spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva said there are also regulations in place requiring free and equal access to candidates on state-run media.
A media commission has also been established to monitor reporting during the election campaign and to probe possible breaches of the media code of conduct, which calls for fair and balanced reporting and promotes retractions and rights to reply.
The budget to run the elections now has more than $58 million, thanks to contributions from the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Japan and Germany.
(gmcg)
The presidential election is Afghanistan's first poll since the UN Assistance Mission to the country (UNAMA) was set up to help reconstruction following a quarter century of war and Taliban hegemony. National and local parliamentary elections are scheduled for next April.
The Joint Electoral Management Body (JEMB) issued a statement declaring that campaigning began at 7am today and ends on the morning of 7 October, two days before more than 10.5 million registered Afghan voters - including at least 4.3 million women - are scheduled to cast their ballots.
"The political campaign must be based on the principles of freedom of expression and conducted in a climate free of intimidation, which allows for democratic debates and discussion," the UNAMA statement read.
UN spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva said there are also regulations in place requiring free and equal access to candidates on state-run media.
A media commission has also been established to monitor reporting during the election campaign and to probe possible breaches of the media code of conduct, which calls for fair and balanced reporting and promotes retractions and rights to reply.
The budget to run the elections now has more than $58 million, thanks to contributions from the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Japan and Germany.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 May 2012
Final Day Of Campaigning For Local Elections
Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party has been speaking to students at Taunton's College in Southampton on the final day of campaigning in local elections. He hit out at David Cameron saying "he once promised change but things have not got better".
Final Day Of Campaigning For Local Elections
Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party has been speaking to students at Taunton's College in Southampton on the final day of campaigning in local elections. He hit out at David Cameron saying "he once promised change but things have not got better".
02 February 2005
TGWU and Amicus begin merger talks
The Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and Amicus have announced their intentions to begin talks on a possible merger. If the two unions were to merge, it would form the largest trade union in the private sector, with over 2.5 million members and a dominant industrial presence in many key sectors of the economy.
TGWU and Amicus begin merger talks
The Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) and Amicus have announced their intentions to begin talks on a possible merger. If the two unions were to merge, it would form the largest trade union in the private sector, with over 2.5 million members and a dominant industrial presence in many key sectors of the economy.
23 January 2015
Broadcasters To Televise General Election Debates
The four broadcasters behind plans for televised General Election debates have published new proposals to expand the debates. The initiative follows talks with the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP. The debates would take place during the General Election campaign, with proposed dates of 2,16 and 30 April.
Broadcasters To Televise General Election Debates
The four broadcasters behind plans for televised General Election debates have published new proposals to expand the debates. The initiative follows talks with the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP. The debates would take place during the General Election campaign, with proposed dates of 2,16 and 30 April.
07 January 2015
Labour Councillor Suspended Over Auschwitz Tweet
A Labour councillor has been suspended from the party after she retweeted a conservative election poster containing a picture of Auschwitz. Nottingham councillor Rosemary Healy insisted she did not see what the picture was of and issued "profound apologies". The poster reads: "Let's stay on the road to a stronger economy.
Labour Councillor Suspended Over Auschwitz Tweet
A Labour councillor has been suspended from the party after she retweeted a conservative election poster containing a picture of Auschwitz. Nottingham councillor Rosemary Healy insisted she did not see what the picture was of and issued "profound apologies". The poster reads: "Let's stay on the road to a stronger economy.
29 January 2014
Amendment Banning Smoking In Cars With Children Before Lords
The House of Lords is to vote later today on an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, seeking a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. The amendment has been put forward by Labour, who have said that if it is not passed by the Lords today, they will include it in its next election manifesto.
Amendment Banning Smoking In Cars With Children Before Lords
The House of Lords is to vote later today on an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, seeking a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. The amendment has been put forward by Labour, who have said that if it is not passed by the Lords today, they will include it in its next election manifesto.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
