U. N. officials have said that a move by Afghan President Hamid Karzai to take control of an election watchdog is under constitutional review.

A move intended to take control over the appointment of members of the Afghan Election Complaints Commission, an independent election watchdog was taken by Karzai earlier this week.

According to the U. N. news service reports, Martin Nesirky, a spokesman for the United Nations, have said the international body was studying the legality of the move.

He said," We hope that this decree is in line with the constitution and with what Parliament and civil society has called for regarding reforms of the electoral system."

The ECC in an October investigation said there was "clear and convincing evidence of fraud" in the Aug. 20 presidential election in Afghanistan. The Karzai victory was riddled with controversy, though his second term was secured when his main rival, Abdullah Abdullah, pulled out of a run-off.

World leaders joined the Kabul government at a London conference in December to make sure Afghan elections were transparent. (With Input from Agencies)