Canadian Voices in Afghanistan
Mike Clegg, Legal Advisor, IFES
(International Foundation for Electoral Systems)
Q&A with Mike Clegg, Legal Advisor, IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems)
What is your job in Afghanistan? (please briefly describe the organization you work with/for and what you do)
I am the legal adviser to IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems). IFES advisers work with UNDP to advise the Independent Election Commission and build capacity in their staff to run elections. I give legal advice to the IFES team and UNDP. I work in the Commission’s Legal Department assisting with:
- interpreting the Electoral Law and Constitution;
- drafting election regulations;
- drafting skills;
- understanding legal terms in English.
Why did you decide to come to Afghanistan? (if you could also indicate how long you have been working in Afghanistan or if you have been here on a number of occasions)
I had worked on elections for 25 years in Canada as part of a career as a parliamentary lawyer and did some work in Namibia and Bolivia. After working for IFES as international legal adviser to the Independent Election Commission of Iraq, I worked for them in Lebanon, East Timor, then Afghanistan.
What do you enjoy most about your job? (this could also include what you enjoy about working in Afghanistan or with your organization)
Working with dedicated and courageous local staff and seeing them develop. Making friends with remarkable and dedicated international advisers and diplomats
What changes have you seen since you started working in Afghanistan? (please describe one or two changes and if you could provide specific examples that would be great)
Increased confidence in Afghan election staff to plan and administer good elections, independent from political pressure. For example:
- the determination to stick with a good decision to interpret conflicting provisions of the Constitution hold elections in Summer to enable universal participation;
- taking the initiative in election planning instead waiting for an international lead.
What do you think Canadians should know about Afghanistan that they aren’t learning from the mainstream media?
Despite the permanent focus on military events and Taliban attacks there are well-devised and successful non-military projects that are improving the lives of Afghans. The Afghans are more concerned about the effects of corruption than they are about the Taliban. The courage of the Canadian military in direct confrontation with Taliban is well respected.
