Calls for parallel govt draw condemnation

JALALABAD (Pajhwok):  Hundreds of elders, religious leaders and civil society members on Wednesday vowed to defend their votes, urging the election body to announce the final result on schedule.

The participants gathered in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province, and demanded the Independent Election Commission (IEC) announce the final result on schedule.

Abdul Malik Arab, a civil society member, told Pajhwok Afghan News the election had gone to the second round in Afghanistan’s history for the first time. The Afghans had braved threats in exercising their right to vote, he said.

Some elements were out to push the country into a political crisis, he alleged, pledging they would not allow anti-state elements to promote their vested interest.

Abdul Rehman Moawen, deputy head of the youth organisation, said they knew how to protect their voting right and no one would be allowed to announce a parallel government.

“We have noted with grave concern Dr. Abdullah Abdullah team’s plans to announce its own government. We ask them not to create chaos and crisis in the country,” he added.

Noor Agha Malikzai, a tribal elder, said everyone should come forward to frustrate efforts at creating mayhem in the country. He asked Abdullah to accept the result.

He condemned Abdullah supporters’ move to tear apart President Hamid Karzai portrait at the Loya Jirga. He called for avoiding provocative actions at this critical point in the election process.

rm/mud

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