Voter turnout put at 58pc

KABUL) chief said on Saturday.

Ahmad Yousaf Nuristani told a press conference about seven million people — 62 percent men and 38 percent women — cast their ballots in the historic election.

He put the turnout at about 58 percent, praising security forces for doing a “tremendous job” during the election process. Nuristani also congratulated the nation on the successful conduct of the election, which he said was not an easy process.

“We have good achievements in this election. It was an Afghan-led process,” he observed, acknowledging the Afghan forces secured the ballot on their own.

Nuristani also said there were reports about fraud and rigging pouring in from different parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Omar Daudzai said the Afghans had successfully come out of the election process. He claimed most enemy attacks were foiled on the election day, increasing people’s trust in their security forces.

Daudzai remarked the Afghans had emphatically rejected terrorism and violence by casting their votes in large numbers.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Sher Mohammad Karimi said teh security forces maintained good coordination among them and they were also extended a helping hand by the people during the election.

“We have seen casualties today but not as many as the enemy desired. Instead the enemy suffered more casualties,” Gen. Karimi said.

ma/mud

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