Plots hatched to delay 2014 polls, warns Qanuni

KABUL): A senior member of the national coalition on Thursday alleged “some elements” in the incumbent government were conspiring to delay the next year’s presidential elections.

Addressing a gathering marking the international women and political groups were united in their efforts and calls to ensure the conduct of a fair and transparent ballot as enshrined in the constitution.

The former Wolesi Jirga speaker claimed there were some individuals in the Karzai-led administration who were plotting to make deliberate attempts to postpone the 2014 elections. He did not name any official.

“Any delay in the elections will be a political plot, not a technical issue,” said Qanuni, who placed second to Karzai in 2004 elections.

An ethnic Tajik from the Panjshir Valley-i-Naween political party, warned the country could plunge into “uncontrollable” political crisis if the elections were delayed or rigged, saying such anti-nation attempts would end up in no one’s interest.

Accusing the government of doing nothing to hold free and fair elections, the politician said the irresponsible approach on the government’s part created doubts in people’s mind about the vote’s credibility.

On the peace negotiations, the former Northern Alliance member said the mechanism adopted by the Kabul government had not been acceptable to all parties to the conflict.

He suggested the government should adhere to conditions that were acceptable to all and could pave the ground for making peace.

Qanuni also commented on a statement attributed to a top Pakistani cleric Maulana Tahir Ashrfi, who had allegedly said suicide attacks in Afghanistan were permissible.

However, Ashrafi has clarified he had been quoted out of context. “Ashrafi’s statement shows terrorism enjoys political and religious support in Pakistan,” said Qanuni.

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