Poll security report unrealistic: Senators

KABUL (Pajhwok): A number Senate members on Sunday called the election security report as unrealistic, saying that the situation at 50 percent of polling stations looked unfavourable in terms of transparency.

After conducting an overall assessment throughout the country, security organs announced on Saturday only 414 out of 6, 845 polling sites across the country lacked the required level of protection.  

Ninety-four percent of the polling centres could be provided satisfactory security, the report added.   The 414 polling stations are located in Badghis, Ghor, Farah, Helmand, Badakhshan, Sar-i-Pul, Parwan, Kapisa, Nuristan, Kunar and Laghman provinces.   

But a number of upper house members rejected the report as unrealistic and misleading. One lawmaker Gul Ahmad Azimi alleged the report was full of flaws, saying people desired security beyond the election day.

“The relevant organs have guaranteed security for 93 percent of polling stations. But I am convinced, 43 percent of the sites have no proper security that is necessary for transparent elections,” he added.  

Daud Hasas, another Meshrano Jirga member, said the report was not based on ground realities in provinces. It had been concocted by people sitting in the Ministries of Interior and Defence, he claimed.

His colleague Gulalai Akbari said security had lately deteriorated in a number of provinces. “The report is misleading and hides the reality from the masses,” she claimed.   

Senator Ali Akbar Jamshedi dubbed the assessment as a good propaganda tool. He said people hoped their forces would provide good security during the April presidential and provincial elections.

Security bosses should prove how they certain of protection for 93percent of polling stations, he added.

But Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, the deputy chairman who chaired the session, called the security assurance a good omen for elections. MPs should share with IEC and security organs their views on much the report was based on reality, he remarked.  

ra/mud

Visits: 3