Stay neutral, Karzai asks electoral bodies

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Hamid Karzai on Thursday asked the electoral bodies to stay neutral throughout the election process and conduct Saturday’s crucial round in a transparent manner.

In a statement from the presidential palace, Karzai hoped the Afghans would stream to polling stations across the country to cast their vote and elect a candidate of their choice.

“The voting day is of immense importance in terms of Afghanistan’s stability and empowerment of the people,” he noted. The president hoped the people would turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

In a separate video conference with military and Ministry of Defence officials, the president asked the Afghan National Army (ANA) to remain impartial during the second round of the ballot slated for June 14.

In a statement from the presidential palace, Karzai lauded the role of military commanders, officers and soldiers in maintaining foolproof security during the April 5 polls.

“Our country is walking firmly down the road to democracy and development. My expectation is that Afghan security forces will leave no stone unturned to enable the people to cast their vote in a fear-free environment,” he added.

Saturday’s runoff was a historical day in the chequered political history of Afghanistan, he said, hoping the polls would bring stability and development to the country.

“We will support anyone who wins the election,” he added. The officials assured the president of putting in place stringent security measures ahead of the second round.

rm/mud

Visits: 0