Verdict on election fraud in 3 days

KABUL): The special election court, tasked with investigating fraud allegations linked to last year’s parliamentary election, is expected to hand down its verdict within three days, the panel chief said on Sunday.

The verdict was due to be announced tomorrow, but was postponed because of technical problems, Maulvi Sadiqullah told Pajhwok Afghan News.

A press release will be issued tonight on Afghanistan Radio Television (RTA), the state-run TV channel, he said.

The special court was created last year by the Supreme Court and approved by the President, after losing candidates carried out demonstrations calling for re-elections in the provinces, where massive irregularities were alleged.

Under pressure from winning candidates and the international community, President Karzai inaugurated the new parliament before the special court could deliver its verdict.

Lawmakers, who fear many of their colleagues could be disqualified in the wake of the court’s verdict, have repeatedly asked Karzai to dissolve the court, calling it an illegal body.

ma/at

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