Civil society warns against fraud in polls

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN activists on Tuesday warned the country could plunge into fresh political turmoil if the April 2014 elections were rigged.

The activists, who gathered in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, asked the government to ensure the presidential elections were inclusive, transparent and fraud-free.

A large number of university lecturers and students also attended the gathering, one of the organisers, Raz Mohammad Dalili, who heads Hakim-i-Sanayee humanitarian organization, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The government should not allow warlords and officials to meddle in the electoral process, he said, adding: “Elections, if held in a transparent manner, will augur well for the country’s future.”

The activists said there should be no hurdles to women’s participation and differences among tribes and factions should be addressed ahead of the polls to make the vote outcome acceptable to all.

Activist Mitra Muqadam said most women in remote areas of Balkh and other northern provinces had not been distributed voter cards, casting doubts on the polls credibility.

“If the government wants the elections to be transparent then it should ensure participation of all eligible women in the process,” she said.

“Women in most rural areas have never been allowed to cast their vote and if allowed they have been forced to vote for candidates chosen by their male family members,” she said.

mds/ma

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