Poll security report to be released in 2 days

KABUL (Pajhwok): The elections security report would be released in two days, Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Ayub Salangi informed governors and provincial police chiefs on Tuesday.

Speaking to the officials from central and eastern zones in Kabul, Salangi said they would assess and discuss security for polling stations.

Security organs were supposed to submit the report to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Jan. 5. Salangi linked delay to bad weather conditions that did not allow provincial authorities’ arrival and some technical issues.   

Acknowledging security problems, Salangi said they were determined to conduct elections in a peaceful and transparent manner with people’s support. “Within two days, the report will be handed over to IEC.”

About the participation in the election process by residents of cold provinces, he said the nationwide assessment was ongoing. If there were genuine concerns, the commission and the government would be informed, he added.  

If roads to polling stations were blocked, they would tackle the issue with cooperation from the IEC to enable voters to exercise their franchise, the deputy minister continued.

Ahmad Yousaf Nuristani, the IEC head, told the meeting the delay in the report’s release would not have any negative impact on the election process.  

There was no problem from technical and logistical perspective, as preparations were ongoing in line with the timetable, Nuristani said. “Definitely, the election will take place on schedule.”   

Maj. Gen. Qadam Shah Shahim, the Kabul 111st military division head, promised security around all polling stations in the capital. Afghan security forces had already launched preparations, he concluded.

ra/mud

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