Abdullah, Rassoul campaign beyond deadline

KABUL) on Friday accused presidential runners Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Zalmai Rassoul of continuing campaigns beyond expiry of the two-month period.

The campaign for presidential and provincial council elections came to an end on the night of April 4. Presidential candidates kicked off their electioneering on February 2 and provincial council aspirants on March 4.

Under the electoral law, the campaign should conclude 48 hours ahead of the voting day.

IEC Chairman Abdul Sattar Sadat told journalists in Kabul Abdullah and Rassoul were found canvassing after expiry of the period. A million messages were sent via three telecommunication companies — Etisalat, AWCC and Roshan — asking people to vote for Abdullah.

Abdullah’s message says: “Dear countrymen! Vote for me for the sake of durable peace in the country.” It was found in contravention of the relevant law.

But Zargai Sajjad, Abdullah’s campaign manager, denied inking an agreement with any telecommunication company to send such messages to voters. He believed the messages might have been dispatched by Abdullah’s supporters.

On the other hand, the IEC chairman said supporters of a candidate were unlikely to sign a deal with three telecom firms at a time.

Sadat added the website Khabaryal was found aiding Rassoul’s election campaign. The issue will be referred to the IEC’s media section.

But Nasiruddin Babakarkhel, Rassoul’s campaign official, said the candidate had not inked any deal with any website. “Maybe someone else has campaigned for Rassoul to create problems for us.”

Sadat promised both Election Law violations would be properly investigated before taking any legal action. The polls are scheduled to take place on Saturday.

rm/mud

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