ANFREL stresses transparent poll results

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) Foundation on Wednesday commended the Afghans for their active participation in Saturday’s presidential and provincial council elections.

ANFREL lauded the determined voters who voted despite obstacles and threats. “As and when Afghanistan becomes a mature democracy, it will do so based on a democratic foundation laid by Saturday’s voters.”

In a statement, it also appreciated the Independent Election Commission (IEC) for its management of the election in very difficult conditions. “It is imperative that the final tabulation and consolidation of votes as well as the verification of the vote totals is done in a timely, transparent, and professional manner.”

Condemning electoral violence and one incident during the pre-election period, it said early reports indicated there was less violence than during the last presidential and provincial council polls.

“Much of the credit for this improvement rightly goes to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) who by and large performed professionally and bravely in the face of repeated attacks.”

The Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) must investigate in an impartial, transparent, thorough, and timely manner all the complaints, it stressed.

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