begins Kabul, April 30, SPA -- The nomination of candidates for Afghanistan's first parliamentary elections since the fallof the Taliban started Saturday, as preparations began inearnest for the Sept. 18 vote. Candidates have until May 19 to submit their applicationsto offices of the joint Afghan-U.N. electoral commissionacross the country. Contenders for the lower house of Parliament must resigntop government positions, sign a declaration that they haveno links to illegal militias and submit the voteridentification card numbers and signatures of 300supporters. The election follows last year's adoption of a newconstitution and a landmark vote for president, completinga democratic transition mapped by Afghan and internationalleaders after U.S. forces ousted the Taliban government in2001. The U.S. military and NATO forces are expected to bring inextra troops to provide security during the elections.--SPA1302 Local Time 1002 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/258890