The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday afternoon welcomed the Independent Election Commission's announcement that parliamentary and district council elections will take place on 7 July 2018.

The people of Afghanistan have made clear their desire for credible, inclusive elections, said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

We welcome the IEC's commitment to a realistic date for holding parliamentary and district council elections, and to an improved and transparent electoral process, he said.

According to the statement, under Resolution 2344 (2017), the Security Council requested UNAMA to support Afghan authorities in the organization of elections, and to strengthen the integrity, sustainability and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Supporting strong and independent electoral management bodies will be a key feature of these efforts in the lead up to elections, read the statement.

The Mission remains committed to working with Afghan institutions as they implement reforms to enhance transparency and build trust in Afghanistan's democratic processes. UNAMA encourages the commission, Afghanistan's political leaders and civil society to unite their efforts in preparing credible parliamentary and district council elections in 2018.