Losers in Laghman blame IECC for partiality

MEHTARLAM (Pajhwok): A number of provincial council candidates in eastern Laghman province have blamed the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) for favoritism, saying some runners had been declared successful as a result of underhand deals.  

The April 5 provincial council election results were announced after seven months delay on October 25, triggering harsh reactions from losers in different provinces. Protesting over what they call glaring anomalies, they have demanded investigations.

Gulzar Sangarwal, a former provincial council member who failed this time around, alleged IECC decisions were based on deals. There were a number of corrupt people in both electoral commissions who had accepted bribes, he added.  

Farhad, a resident of Laghman, said a number of winners enjoyed support from higher-ups. The well-off paid bribes and had their names included in the final list of winners, Farhad claimed. Corrupt employees of the electoral commissions be prosecuted, he suggested.

A winner, speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, acknowledged that there had been electoral fraud and rigging throughout the country, with candidates spending their money and using their influence.  “Only three people have won genuine votes.”

ra/mud

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