Afghanistan forms media watchdog for next year's election KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said Wednesday it was pleased Afghan officials formed a media watchdog for next year's elections. The Afghan Independent Election Commission nominated members to serve on the board of a media commission tasked with monitoring reporting and fair broadcasting related to presidential and provincial council elections in April. "UNAMA emphasizes the important role the media can play in helping ensure transparency in the upcoming polls, and by promoting public awareness of the electoral process," the mission said in a statement Wednesday. It also highlights the importance of media outlets having a fair and balanced approach in their reporting on the elections. The IEC concluded the registration process for 2014 elections in November. It said there were 26 candidates, including a woman, registered for the presidential contest and more than 3,000 candidates, of which 10 percent are women, registered for provincial council elections. Afghan President Hamid Karzai won't compete because of term limits. Next year's election will mark the first time power is transferred from one democratically elected administration to the next in Afghan history. Provincial council and presidential elections are scheduled for April 5.