Several polling sites shut; others lack materials

HERAT/KHOST/LOGAR/KABUL (Pajhwok):  A number of polling stations in western Herat, southeastern Khost, central Logar and Kabul provinces were either closed or experienced a shortage of election materials, officials and voters claimed on Saturday.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) had to close 33 polling stations in different districts of Herat province without bringing the issue to the government’s notice, the governor said.  

ayed Fazlullah Wahidi, after casting his vote, said the centres were closed in Shindand, Obai, Ghoryan, Gulran and Rubat Sangi districts without consulting him or other local officials.

Security for polling stations was ensured throughout the province and the turnout was heading toward positive figures, Wahidi added.  

Of 446 polling stations in Herat, 17 of them were said to be closed due to security threats. 

However, the IEC did not comment on the issue.

Similarly, the volatile Logar province was facing electoral materials and election employees at around eight polling centres.

Provincial police chief told Pajwhok Afghan News, eight polling stations had to be shut in Charkh, Baraki Barak and Khoshi districts.

Of 83 polling stations in Logar, six of them had to be closed because of poor law and order.

In charge of a polling centre in the restive Khost City said, they were facing shortage of polls material otherwise the province would have a big turnout.  

Another report from Paghman district of Kabul said a polling station did not receive electoral materials. Election observer at the site warned if proper measures were not taken then it would leave far-reaching negative impact on the polling station.

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