15 people cast 15,000 votes in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Monday said 15 individuals had cast 15,000 votes in favour of a specific candidate in northern Balkh province.

Regional IEC chief, Izzatullah Arman told Pajhwok Afghan News former commanders, warlords and a number of provincial council members were involved in widespread fraud in parts of Balkh.

Most of the irregularities were committed with the connivance of IEC workers in Kashandi, Chamtal, Sholgar, Charbolak and Zaree districts and Mazar-I-Sharif, the provincial capital, he said.

Former commanders committed fraud at six polling sites in Kashandi district. “Fifteen people used 15,000 voter cards for a specific candidate in Yarghan and Sheikh areas of the district. One complaint has been filed against this.”

Arman revealed ballot boxes were taken by two warlords from a polling station in Zaree to their residences. Ballots were stuffed for a specific runner, he alleged.

A former PC member — supported by an IEC worker — also interfered in making changes to ballot papers in the Tana area of Charbolak district, he said, adding 13,000 fraudulent votes had been cast at a polling station in the Albarz area of Chamtal district.

Glaring anomalies were committed in Tarkmania Township, Abu Zaid area of Dehdad district and Hashim Barat area, Municipality ground, Fatima Balkhi School and Ali Chopan area in Mazar-i-Sharif.

Five IEC workers have been removed from job in connection with rigging, Arman informed. So far 48 complaints have been registered in Balkh province. Most of the complaints were recorded in Mazar-i-Sharif.

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