Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit

The election system used to select Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga (lower house of parliament) has radically shaped the realms of democratic stability and political legitimacy since its introduction for the elections of 2005. Afghanistan uses the Single Non-Transferable Vote (SNTV) in 34 provincial-level, multi-member constituencies with a special affirmative action (quota) mechanism for women. The election system (largely unchanged between 2005 and 2010) has impeded the development of political parties, directed the type of campaigning conducted by candidates, and shaped voting behaviour. The system also limits the efficacy of the Wolesi Jirga as a decision-making chamber situated within the framework of the Afghan state alongside the executive office of the presidency. This paper examines the relationship between the election system and representation, democracy, electoral corruption, and the broad quality of the electoral process.