211 polling centres remain shut

KABUL) on Saturday announced more than 200 of 6,400 voting centres across the country remained closed.

IEC Chairman Yousaf Nuristani told a news conference that 6,423 voting centres were expected to open on the Election Day, but 200 remained closed due to security problems.

He added polling most centres opened at around 8:00am. But some of them opened an hour later due to security measures, rainy weather and late arrival of election workers. As a result, the voting time was extended by an hour to 5:00pm.

In case of rush, the process would continue until all voters cast their ballots, the IEC chief hinted. “Earlier, we were concerned at security problems and bad weather. But most people visited polling stations contrary of our expectations.”

About the shortage of ballot papers, Nuristani said relevant authorities had been directed to dispatch relevant materials to the areas needing them as soon as possible.

He claimed a high voter turnout at some stations caused problems; the commission had sent 600 ballot papers to each polling station.

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