OSCE to send team to assist with Afghan 2014 elections

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will send a support team to Afghanistan to assist with the presidential and provincial council elections in the country, it was announced Friday. The decision was made by the provincial council of OSCE on Friday, following a request of the government of Afghanistan. "The situation in Afghanistan, especially in terms of transition as well as withdrawal of international security forces from the country in 2014, has an important impact on the OSCE region as a whole," said Ihor Prokopchuk of Ukraine, the chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council. He said the decision contributed to the international community's efforts to foster democracy and further stability in the country. Presidential and provincial council elections in Afghanistan are scheduled for April 5 next year. The election support team will be organized by the OSCE office for democratic institutions and human rights and will include up to 20 election staff. The team will closely co-ordinate with national, regional and international representatives, and will prepare a report on the electoral process. The OSCE sent election support teams to Afghanistan in 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2010.