Heratis want IEC to show impartiality

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Residents on Thursday said security forces and Independent Election Commission (IEC) officials should exhibit neutrality during Saturday’s elections in western Herat province.

Abdullah, a resident of the Guzra district, asked local security and election officials to avoid supporting any candidate. “To see the elections are held in a fair manner is my dream,” he told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Faiza, a literature student at Herat varsity, said election officials should be sincere in discharging their duties regardless of tribal and linguistic affiliations. 

Any discrimination against tribes or candidates would leave a question mark on the ballot, which would be unacceptable to the Afghans, she said. 

Another resident, Ahmad Sharif, said: “Even a single vote should not be left uncounted because it can change the outcome.” 

“The IEC should maintain its impartiality and keep the secrecy of ballot boxes protected,” he added.

Halima Pak Manish, another resident, said IEC officials had sided with some candidates in the previous elections, but this time around, they should not repeat the past mistakes.

Security officials said no personnel would be allowed to work in favour or against any candidate.

Police spokesman Abdur Rauf Ahmadi said security officials had been directed to avoid supporting or opposing any candidate. “This message has been delivered to all security forces stationed at polling sites,” he said.

Meanwhile, regional IEC chief Daud Saddiqzada said they were fully prepared to hold the elections as scheduled.

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