Afghan presidential, provincial council polls slated for 5th April, 2014

KABUL) announced on Wednesday. 

Speaking to journalists in Kabul, IEC head, Fazal Ahmad Manawi, confirmed problems exited across the country but that would not hinder the polls.

The presidential election’s result would be announced on 14th May, 2014, while the provincial council polls outcome would be declared on 7th June, 2014.

If no presidential candidate received more than 50 percent of the votes, a runoff election (second round) would be held on 22nd May, 2014, Manawi said.

He urged the government, political parties, civil society and the public to assist the IEC in conducting transparent elections in 2014. 

Registration of nominees for the presidential and provincial council polls would begin on 15th September, 2013 and would last for 14 days. 

The IEC had identified 7,000 polling centres and the exact number would be announced next week, while voters’ registration would begin on 20th April, 2013 and completed within four months, said Manavi.

He confirmed the authorities assigned to issue voting cards to eligible individuals lacked the necessary facilities to carry out their work and they would provide the list of all voters soon.  They have also taken efforts to include unsecured areas to register voters.

He said candidates could launch their campaigns immediately but should not use non-democratic methods to win the polls and the IEC has taken measures to prevent possible electoral fraud.

In response to a question about the harsh winter that may hinder political campaigns and affect voters from casting their votes, he said “these are the problems of the constitution not the IEC.”

Speaking at the same event, Deputy Interior Minister Gen. Abdul Rahman Rahman assured that the ministry, along with other security agencies, would provide tight security during the polls.

He said the security transfer from foreign soldiers to Afghan forces clearly reflected that local troops were ready to protect the country.

The Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi, present at the same event, said the Ministry of Defence was formulating policies to ensure security during the polling period.

mm/vp

 

 

 

 

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