KABUL (SW) – The Independent Election Commission has so far failed to announce results for the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) polls in Kabul and Baghlan sparking concerns and criticism.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, Ali Reza Rouhani, commissioner and spokesman for the Independent Election Complaint Commission, said the IEC has failed to ensure fairness in counting votes for the WJ polls in Kabul. He asserted the complaint commission’s announcement of declaring the polls in Kabul as void remains relevant.
He declared the complaint commission would review its stance if the situation persisted.
One of the WJ candidates, Haroon Motarif, told SW a certain group has held the Kabul votes under siege. He said this group is deciding about the front-runners after behind-the-door conversations in this regard.
Yosuf Rasheed, chief executive of the Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan, said in this connection that there are issues with votes from some 700 polling stations in the capital city. He said this is the reason behind delay in announcement of result for Kabul.
However, the IEC has clarified the results for the WJ polls in Kabul would be announced after separation of genuine votes from the rigged ones. Shema Elmsarosh, deputy spokesperson for the IEC, said votes from some 500 polling stations from eastern parts of the city are under scrutiny.
Voting took place in 32 provinces on 20 and 21 October while election took place in Kandahar on 27 October. The IEC has so far announced results for 31 provinces.
ENDS
