Derailing polls against Afghanistan’s interest: Karzai

KABUL): President Hamid Karzai has said any attempt to delay or derail the 2014 presidential election is not in the country’s interest, his office said on Saturday.

Karzai made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Unity and Prosperity Council of Afghanistan and elders from northern and northeastern provinces at his office, the Presidential Palace said in a statement.

He said the elections would certainly take place as scheduled because it was a desire of the Afghan nation and bids to derail the vote was against the interest of Afghanistan, the statement quoted him as saying.

As part of his responsibilities towards the political transition, Karzai said he was committed to neutrality and keeping the government from interfering into the election affairs.

He said the government had put in place all possible security measures for the elections in northern Afghanistan, particularly in Faryab and Takhar provinces.

Wolesi Jirga Minister Suraya Dalil and some parliamentarians and senators from northern and northeastern provinces attended the meeting with Karzai.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Abdul Wahab Irfan stressed only inclusive polls could put Afghanistan on the path to stability and development.

He said the ballot was the only way to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, saying the Unity and Prosperity Council would voluntarily contribute to public awareness programmes concerning elections.

mrh/ma

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