Ghani casts vote, says fraud unacceptable

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday exercised his voting right, saying rigging in the ballot was not acceptable.

Ghani used vote at a polling centre at the Amani High School in Kabul, where stringent security measures have been put in place.

The president was accompanied by first lady Bibi Gul and Amarullah Saleh. They expressed happiness over the conduct of free and transparent election.

“Our security and defence forces have been striving for protecting the nation. They put in place strong security measures for over the past two months; we are proud of them,” Ghani said.

He went on to thank the presidential candidates who have pledged support to the State Maker electoral team.

The president sought credit for his government for arranging on its own most of the election budget. He also thanked the European Union, Japan, the US and other international partners for supporting the electoral process.

Ghani called important the role of the international community, civil society and media in making the election a success.

This year’s election has become a national unity vote, according to the president, who made clear that fraud was unacceptable, as it was against the law.

The president called on all Afghan to help prevent fraud and greeted the election commissions on the good start to the national process. He hoped for a high turnout at the end of the day.

Every complaint should be scrutinised, he stressed, welcoming the participation of women in the ballot. He said peace was the desire of the entire nation.

“Our plans are ready for implementation; we are waiting for a fresh mandate from the nation,” the president remarked.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah also cast his vote at 9:00 am at a polling center at the Omar-i-Shahid High School.

The CEO, one of the presidential runners, praised the security forces for their efforts to secure the polls, stressed the need for impartiality of government servants.

Addressing the Taliban, Abdullah said: “As a citizen and candidate, I tell you that threatening foreigners may show your power, but we are pursuing a peace process supported by all people. In this democratic exercise, threat to civilians will not help anyone achieve their goals.”

Abdullah urged both civilian and security personnel not to interfere in the electoral process and let it be implemented in a transparent manner.

He called on all Afghans to exercise their right to vote and support the key national process and symbol of democracy in the country.

sa/mud

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