IEC urges government to ensure security of candidates

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) has expressed concern over the security of Wolesi Jirga candidates and asked the government to take steps for their security.

IEC Spokesman Syed Hafeezullah Hashami told Pajhwok Afghan News: “Safety and security of the Wolesi Jirga contenders was the government responsibility and we ask them to pay proper attention to their duties.”

He said the election process was at its peak, therefore, threats to Wolesi Jirga candidates had increased.

Recently some Wolesi Jirga candidates have been killed before the launch of their campaign.

He asked the government to develop a proper mechanism for the safety and security of election contenders.

Anwar Niyazi from Parwan, Jalaluddin Salehi, Awtar Singh from Hindu minority and Syed Obaidullah Sadaat from Ghazni province are those candidates who had been killed in recent days.

Meanwhile, the IEC spokesman pledged the conduct of free fair and transparent election in the country.

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