KABUL (SW): Various political groups, youth organizations and civil society activists on Monday casted doubts over prospects for fair and free elections under current circumstances.
Abdul Wadood Afghan, head of the youth civil societies’ coordination center, told a presser in Kabul that elements within the government and outside the government are involved in moves to undermine the credibility of the elections. He said internal differences among the government leaders combined with fragile security situation in up to 20 provinces and closure of up to 1000 electoral centers are major concerns.
He feared the peoples’ participation would be low in polls marred by irregularities and rigging. The head of the youth civil societies’ coordination center urged the government and the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to take immediate and effective measures to ensure transparency in the forthcoming elections.
Separately, Obaidullah Barikzai, member of the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) and leader of the Hezb-e-Islami party, echoed similar concerns. Among other demands, he told a press conference the government should also ensure equal opportunities for voting to all citizens, allow political parties to monitor polls, keep balance in establishing polling stations in all provinces.
This comes as the IEC has noted over three million citizens have registered for the forthcoming district and parliamentary elections.
ENDS
