Ahmadzai alleges fraud in some areas

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghans exercised their voting right under difficult circumstances, including the threat of insurgent attacks and drizzly weather, but fraud was committed in some areas, one front-line presidential runner said on Saturday.

At about 8pm, Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai told reporters in Kabul the high voter turnout had frustrated Afghanistan’s enemies. He hailed the polls as a success for democracy in the country.  He also praised the security forces’ role in ensuring voter safety and winning people’s confidence.

He alleged the vote had been rigged in some places, asking the electoral watchdog to throw out votes from areas where ballot boxes were stuffed. However, the noted economist did not elaborate on fraud charges.

A former finance minister, Ahmadzai claimed having evidence of irregularities. The evidence has been shared with the complaints commission. “Our team was neither involved in fraud nor backs unfair means.”

He asked the IEC to provide information about results to the public in the next 24 hours. He urged the panel to exercise complete neutrality in filing the outcome.

“Initial results show my team has won 90 percent of the votes cast,” he claimed, asking the IEC to announce the result on schedule (April 23). Final results would be announced on May 14.

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