Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) Weekly Election Coverage Newsletter, Feb.19-25

Electioneering gains momentum in east By Mahbob Shah Mahbob Feb 19, 2014 - 19:12

JALALABAD/ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Campaign rallies Special people fault candidates’ priorities were organised on Wednesday in eastern Nangarhar and By Hadi Ghafari & Zabihullah Ihsas Feb 19, 2014 - 18:03 Kunar provinces in support of three presidential candidates. There were two separate gatherings in MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): People with Nangarhar, one supporting Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf and disabilities in northern province on Wednesday another Gul Agha Sherzai. The rally supporting Sayyaf complained none of the 11 presidential candidates has was arranged by Meshrano Jirga Chairman Fazl Hadi any policy on promoting their civil, political, social, Muslimyar. economic and cultural rights. Thousands of people attended the gathering, voicing The views were expressed at a gathering arranged by unflinching support to Sayyaf, a veteran former jihadi the Social and Culture Association of People with commander. Muslimyar called Sayyaf a globally Disabilities at the provincial office of the recognised religious scholar, saying he was the right man to protect the country at this sensitive juncture. “We Independent Human Rights Commission in should take part in the elections and if we did not, the Mazar-i-Sharif. A large number of disabled people success will never be achieved,” the Senate chairman attended the gathering. urged the people of Nangarhar. The gathering was The association head, Syed Mohammad Yazdan attended by a large number of tribal elders, religious Parast, told Pajhwok Afghan News 18 days into elec- scholars and customs police commanders. tioneering, no presidential candidate had so far re- Similarly, a separate gathering in , the provincial vealed his policy on the rights of people with disabili- capital, supported Gul Agha Sherzai, the former governor. ties. The Youth Council head, Noor Agha Zwak, told Pajhwok “So far we could not hear a candidate speaking about the rally was organised with fund raised by the youth. the disabled, so that we can think over that before “Sherzai is known to everyone. He has been a successful casting our votes.” He continued all candidates were governor in Nangarhar,” he said, vowing complete support to Sherzai. In eastern Kunar, hundreds of people attended yet to speak about social and economic problems be- a rally, voicing support to presidential candidate Dr. ing faced by the disabled. Zalmai Rassoul, formerly foreign minister in the President Under the country’s laws, he argued, the disabled Karzai’s cabinet. were entitled to exercise their civil, political, social, Wolesi Jirga member and campaigner for Rassoul, Haji economic and cultural rights like others, calling on the Sakhi Mashwanai, said around 300 people attended the presidential hopefuls to present their policies in this campaign rally. regard. Link: Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/19/special- http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/19/electioneering- people-fault-candidates%E2%80%99-priorities gains-momentum-east http://www.pajhwok.com Page 1 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com/www.vote.af

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

MoI spokesman Siddiqui Siddique told Pajhwok Afghan News that Abdullah’s campaign convoy was returning from Sarobi to the central capital when it came under attack at around 4:40pm. No one in the convoy got hurt, he said, adding Abdullah had reached his residence safe. One of Abdullah’s campaigners, Syed Aqa Hussaini, wrote on his Facebook page there was no attack, Rallies held in support of Ghani, Abdullah By Pajhwok reporter Feb 19, 2014 - 18:57 calling reports in this regard a rumour. He said there might have been gunfire in the area, but KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Big rallies were organized on Abdullah’s team had not been targeted. On Feb 2, Wednesday in support of presidential candidates Ashraf two campaigners for Abdullah, a former foreign Ghani Ahmadzai and Dr. Abdullah Abduallah in northern minister, were killed by unknown gunmen in western Kunduz and Takhar provinces. . Haji Malik Mohammad, chief of the Zakhil tribe, said they Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/19/abdullah% backed Ghani as presidential contender because he was E2%80%99s-convoy-comes-under-attack-sarobi well-educated and experienced enough to pull country out of problems. 23 Paktia polling stations under threat Similarly, another rally was held in support of Dr. By Sahel Mangal Feb 20, 2014 - 14:53 Abdullah. Hamidullah, a supporter of candidate, said: “The number of Dr. Abdullah’s supporter is high in Kunduz. GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Security officials in southeastern People have been thronging our campaign office.” on Thursday said 23 polling stations were But Gul Nazar said: “We are here to support Ghani and still under high threat from insurgents. Gen. Dostum because both leaders have the ability to Brig. Gen. Zalmai Oryakhel, the provincial police chief, resolve our problems.” Dostum had been enjoying more told Pajhwok Afghan News of the 212 polling stations support in Takhar, he claimed. across the province, 23 were insecure. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/19/rallies-held- However, he promised his forces would adopt stringent support-ghani-abdullah measures to protect the polling stations from the insurgent threat in the near future. “Afghan security forces have launched a joint offensive and are trying to secure as many polling stations as possible till the elections,” he added. The insecure polling stations, he said, were located in Janikhel, Syed Karam, Zazai Aryub, Laja Mangal and Zurmat districts. Paktia did not face any big security challenge that could disrupt the process, he said. Col. Itbar Shah Shinwari, the Waza chief, said: “We have held talks with local elders, who have assured us of all-out cooperation in holding peaceful elections.” (ANA), police and intelligence officials had a heavy presence in the province and were striving to bolster security ahead of the April 5 polls, he added. Abdullah’s convoy comes under attack in Sarobi Rehmatullah Haqmal, the provincial election commission By Painda Hikmat Feb 19, 2014 - 18:26 head, expressed optimism the number of insecure polling stations would decrease. (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Interior (MoI) on “We are ready to send our officials for discharging their Wednesday said gunmen attacked a convoy carrying duties as soon as security is restored around insecure presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and his polling stations,” he concluded. supporters in the Sarobi district of . http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/20/23-paktia-polling- stations-under-threat

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 2 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

Election officials accused of partiality By Mahbob Shah Mahbob Feb 20, 2014 - 17:39 JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Campaigners for presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the eastern on Thursday accused some officials of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of backing particular contenders.

Extremists out to sabotage peace: Masood They levelled the allegations while inaugurating Ghani By Abasin Zaheer Feb 20, 2014 - 16:11 Ahmadzai’s elections campaign office in Jalalabad. The KABUL (Pajhwok): Ahmad Zia Masood, presidential run- event was attended by thousands of people, including ner Dr. Zalmai Rassoul’s choice for first vice-president, on local elders and religious leaders. Thursday alleged some extremist circles outside Afghani- stan were trying to disrupt peace in Afghanistan. Participants announced their unflinching support to Addressing a campaign rally, arranged in his support by a Ahmadzai in the April 5 electoral fray, said Ehsanullah pro-development and democracy alliance, he said some Kamil, campaign manager. foreign forces were out to sabotage peace efforts in Af- ghanistan. Masood added the country had faced tremen- Thousands of local elders, religious scholars, jihadi dous challenges throughout its history. Without naming commanders and people of the area assured support to the any country, he accused some neighbours of interfering in presidential hopeful, a world-renowned economist, Kamil the internal affairs of Afghanistan. remarked. He said the country direly needed to build close ties with Haji Abdul Zaher Qadeer, Wolesi Jirga member from the international community to get rid of foreign interfer- Nangarhar, said Ghani Ahmadzai was the most favourite ence and achieve economic stability. presidential runner. “The people of this eastern province International support was imperative at the present critical will vote for him,” he hoped. juncture in terms of security because Afghan forces could not ensure full security on their own, Massoud argued. He assailed President for failing to ensure If the team headed by Rassoul succeeded in elections, he peace in the country and even his home province promised, an era of good governance and vast investment was continuously haunted by war and fighting. would dawn in the country. “On the other hand, Dr. Ghani Ahmadzai has discharged He said youth would be given the lion’s share in politics his duties diligently both as finance minister and vice and those who had been promoting personal interest would chancellor of the Kabul University,” he noted. be sidelined. “If we win the elections, a new era of eco- nomic stability will be ushered in.” http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/20/election-officials- Massoud urged militants to shun violence and take part in accused-partiality politics to rebuild their country. “Fighting cannot resolve http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/20/extremists-out-sabotage -peace-masood

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 3 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter Election campaign to foster unity: One scholar, Maulvi Nasrullah Qasimi told participants including the tribal elders, women activists and civil society members that Islam gives women the right to participate in KABUL (Pajhwok): President Hamid Karzai on polls. Thursday once again made clear government officials He called elections the only way to establish a government could not utilise national resources in favour or against acceptable to all. Both men and women should take part in presidential candidates. the process, he said. In his fortnightly radio address, the president said Qasimi asked people to help women receive their voter peaceful and successful elections were linked to people’s cards and participate in the election process. enthusiastic participation in the process. Khost Ulema council head, Maulvi Mohammad “Afghan forces will secure elections with the cooperation Mohammadi, said Islam is not against women’s of the masses. We should throng to polling stations and participation in elections. Making 50 percent of the cast our votes in favour of our favourite candidates,” he population, women reserve the right to vote for anyone they added. want. He went on to say: “The fact that 11 people are in the run The governor’s spokesman, Mubarez Mohammad Zadran, for the presidential slot is ample proof of growing told the conference security forces had ensured protection of democracy in the country. It is high time for us to cast all polling stations in the provincial capital and districts. our votes.” He said of the 186 polling stations across Khost, only some A high voter turnout would help strengthen the political were under security threat, but the local forces would do system, the president argued, saying Afghanistan was their best to protect all sites. going to witness elections for the third time. A women’s rights activist, Maryam, said few females were The April 5 vote was yet another remarkable step toward aware of the election process, and the public awareness the stability of the democratic system, he said, hoping the programme of the IEC had been ineffective. election campaign would foster unity, love and harmony She asked IEC to task prayer leaders with public awareness among the Afghans. programmes to encourage people to let their women http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/20/election-campaign- foster-unity-karzai participate in the election process. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/20/women-can-take-part- polls-ulema

Coalition for Afghan Democracy launched in US By Lalit J Kha Feb 21, 2014 - 09:40 WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): Ahead of the presidential elections, a group of leading foreign policy experts and women's rights advocates has come together to form the Coalition for Afghan Democracy. "We know that the best way to help turn the page on a new, democratic Afghan future is for the US to play an active and engaged role," said Hamed Wardak, an Afghan-American business owner and the coalition's founder. The coalition represented a broad range of educated views on Afghanistan, believing that investing in an election that respected the will of the people would be important for Afghanistan's progress toward further democratisation, he Women can take part in polls: Ulema By Mohammad Haroon Feb 20, 2014 - 20:02 said. One of the major goals of the coalition is to highlight the KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): Islamic scholars in need for the April election to remain free from interference southeastern on Thursday said women or tampering by the government of President Hamid Karzai. had the right to take part in the ongoing election process. Conducting free and fair elections was a critical component Ulema discussed the Islamic perspective on women’s of instilling a perception of confidence and legitimacy in the participation in the election process at a conference new Afghan government, said Craig Smith, senior advisor to arranged by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) the coalition. in Khost City. With more than 25 years of experience in developing and executing political strategies at all levels of government,

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 4 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

Craig said: "Having worked with numerous post-conflict He asked the government to treat all presidential runners elections, it is clear to me that the international community equally and avoid supporting one particular candidate. should work hard to ensure that the process is credible and However, he would not say whom the government was fully supported." backing. Policymakers should also make sure the current Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/21/no-pullout- government prevented both domestic and international presidential-race-sherzai interference in the electoral result, he stressed. "Like Americans, Afghans pride themselves on their independence. Like Americans, Afghans are struggling in their daily lives due to the decisions of their government. Like Americans, Afghans want to move forward," remarked Matt Griffin, a coalition advisory council member, former US Army Ranger. "My hope is that these elections are better than last. My hope is that Afghans rally behind what they believe. My hope is for Afghans to know our support for their next steps forward. I support a free, fair, and transparent election in Afghanistan," Griffin concluded. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/21/coalition-afghan- democracy-launched-us Wardak elders pledge support to Rassoul By Abasin Zaheer Feb 21, 2014 - 13:04 KABUL (Pajhwok): A number of elders, religious scholars and lawmakers from central on Friday announced support to presidential candidate Zalmai Rassoul in the April 5 elections.

Hasibullah Kalimzai, heading the group, said they supported Rassoul because he had better understanding of internal and external affairs and could rid the country of the current crisis and challenges. “We back Rassoul because he is neither involved in corruption nor in bloodshed,” he argued, urging the candidate to ensure peace in the country, wage a decisive fight against graft and create jobs. No pullout from presidential race: Sherzai By Abasin Zaheer Feb 21, 2014 - 17:03 No development projects had been done in his province during the last 12 years, Kalimzai complained, saying the KABUL (Pajhwok): Former Nangarhar governor Gul people of Wardak were not satisfied with the performance Agha Sherzai on Friday ruled out a withdrawal from the of the incumbent government. presidential race in favour of anyone. Speaking on the occasion, Rassoul thanked the group for Addressing a press conference in Kabul, Sherzai said there extending support to him. He promised to initiate a was no truth in local and foreign media reports that he in- gigantic development programme in Maidan Wardak to tended to pull out of the electoral fray. address grievances of the locals. “I’m not going to retire in anyone’s favour,” the ex- governor reiterated, dispelling the impression that he “My team can win the ballot with support from the people would pull out of the race in support of Dr. Zalmai Ras- of Wardak. I will try my level best to fulfill all my soul. promises if I win the election,” he concluded. He had done a lot in areas of peace and reconstruction, Sherzai claimed, remarking: “Only a candidate with no Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/21/wardak-elders- achievement to his credit will retire…” pledge-support-rassoul

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 5 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

Thousands promise support to Ahmadzai The statement added the team, it won the election, would By Khan Wali Salarzai Feb 21, 2014 - 17:33 work for good governance and delivery of basic services. It did not name the individuals who pledged support to JALALABAD (Pajhwok): A huge gathering attended by the former minister some 3,000 people in eastern on Friday But a credible source said Paktia Governor Juma Khan announced support to presidential candidate Dr. Ashraf Hamdard, Education Minister Ghulam Farooq Wardak, Ghani Ahmadzai. Agriculture Minister Asif Rahimi, Minister of Mines Wa- Dr. Jamaluddin, Ahmadzai’s campaign manager in the heedullah Sabawoon, Akbar Barakzai and Qazi Amin province, said thousands of people from Asadabad and Wiqad had vowed support to Rassoul. other districts promised voting for the ex-finance minister http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/22/3rd-hia-faction- in the April 5 ballot. pledges-support-rassoul He added Kunar residents viewed the presidential hopeful as having the capacity to eliminate corruption and put the country on the path to progress and prosperity. In the previous election, the people of Kunar had voted for President Hamid Karzai, he recalled, but this time they would put their weight behind Ahmadzai -- a celebrated economist. Ahmadzai, he said, had a global reputation as a leading economist with tangible plans for economic prosperity of the country. They said Ahmadzai had a brilliant track record free of corruption and land grab. And that was why he deserved to lead the country at this critical time. Speaking on behalf of Kunar people, Haji Noor Karim, a tribal elder, said the people of his province would vote for Ahmadzai to win the elections, Jamaluddin argued. Negotiations underway on Qayyum-Rassoul deal He said Ahmadzai would launch big development projects By Meer Agha Nasrat Samimi Feb 23, 2014 - 14:43 in Kunar if he won the landmark polls. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/21/thousands- KABUL (Pajhwok): An ongoing jirga of elders is set to promise-support-ahmadzai bring about an electoral understanding between presidential runners Dr. Zalmai Rassoul and Abdul Qayyum Karzai, officials said on Sunday. Any decision of the jirga, expected later in the day, will be acceptable to both sides, Karzai’s campaign office said, adding that 170 elders from the 34 provinces had been authorised to convince one candidate to withdraw in favour of the other. According to Mahmood Karzai, the jirga members, who also met President Hamid Karzai, have been asked to convince Qayyum Karzai to pull out of the race in Rassoul’s favour. Mohammad Hamid Saboori, in charge of Karzai’s campaign office, told Pajhwok Afghan News that both sides had assured the jirga of accepting its decision -- a move aimed at reducing the number of 3rd HIA faction pledges support to Rassoul presidential hopefuls. “The real objective is to enable the By Javed Hamim Kakar Feb 22, 2014 - 19:55 two candidates to reach an understanding. The elders have been in consultations over the past couple of days, KABUL (Pajhwok): The third faction of Hezb-i-Islami but the outcome is not yet known. A decision is likely by Afghanistan (HIA), including some senior government sundown,” he said. On the other hand, the Independent figures, on Saturday announced its support to presidential Election Commission (IEC) said candidates were allowed runner Dr. Zalmai Rassoul. Several HIA members viewed under the relevant rules to withdraw from the electoral ex-foreign minister as a candidate who could take the fray whenever they wanted. country out of the current situation, according to a

statement from Rassoul’s campaign office.

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 6 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

But such a step after the stipulated date (November 11) Wishing not to be named, one IEC official said his may create technical problems. IEC spokesman Noor department’s head was involved in massive financial Mohammad Noor argued the commission had printed corruption and stealing the expenses of employees. ballot papers, with candidate photographs and However, IEC Commissioner Sharifa Zurmati promised symbols. Votes cast for a retired contender would be the issue would be addressed and grievances of staff declared invalid, he explained. resolved after a meeting with the secretary of the Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/23/negotiations- commission. underway-qayyum-rassoul-deal http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/23/paktika-iec-head- accused-corruption 24 more polling centres secured: MoI By Muhammad Hassan Khetab Feb 23, 2014 - 19:40

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said on Sunday 24 more polling stations had been secured in northern Sar-i-Pul and eastern Laghman provinces. The Afghan National Police (ANP) had conducted as many as 60 offensives, killing 85 insurgents during the past week to ensure security of the polling stations, said, Siddiq Saddiqui, spokesman of the ministry. The newly secured 24 polling centres were situated in Gosfandi, Sancharak, Sozma Qala and Kohistanat districts of northern Sar-i-pul province while some other polling stations were also secured in Dawlatshahi and Alishing districts of . “Now 366 polling centre are closed because of security reasons, however, efforts are underway to make them Arsala reaches understanding with Sherzai secure,” he remarked. By Azizullah Hamdard Feb 24, 2014 - 16:17 The spokesman said since the start of the elections campaign, around 200 small and big gatherings had been KABUL (Pajhwok): Presidential contender Hedayat Amin held across Afghanistan without reporting any security Arsala on Monday said he had entered an alliance with problem. Gul Agha Sherzai, but the move did not mean he had Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/23/24-more-polling- pulled out of the presidential race. centres-secured-moi Addressing a press conference in Kabul, Arsala dismissed Paktika IEC head accused of corruption rumours about his withdrawal from the electoral fray as By Ali Mohammad Nazari Feb 23, 2014 - 15:29 baseless. “I am not going to quit in favour of anyone.” The aim of alliance was to ensure fair election and honest SHARAN (Pajhwok): Observers and public awareness services to the people, Arsala said, adding that a number of officers on Sunday blamed the Independent Election candidates would join their group in the near future. Commission (IEC) director for southeastern Paktika Answering a question about the alliance’s to support to a province for involvement in misuse of funds. single candidate, Arsala said they would decide on the At least 65 observers and public awareness officers were issue later. appointed in July last year to launch an awareness drive Without naming anyone, he said: “Recently there has been about elections in the province. The project lasted four and a flurry of meetings to assign this authority to a single a half months. family or tribe. But such an act will increase the gap Mohammad Farid, an observer in Mata Khan district, between public and the candidates.” accused IEC Director Zarab Gul of financial He asked people vote for a runner who had a good embezzlement and refusing to reimburse their travel background and was committed to serving the nation and expenses. steering the country out of the current crisis. Qalandar, another observer, warned of protests if their Three days back, Sherzai also rejected reports about his travel expenses were not paid. Ali Mohammad, a public withdrawal in favour of Zalmai Rassoul. awareness officer, blamed provincial IEC of not releasing Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/24/arsala-reaches- their due funds and employees’ salaries. understanding-sherzai

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 7 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

IEC dispatches trainers to 15 provinces thus weakening the manufacturing industry in By Pajhwok Report Feb 24, 2014 - 16:08 Afghanistan. He acknowledged the government of his principal rival KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Karzai had some achievements in various fields over the Commission (IEC) on Monday dispatched 85 mentors to 15 past 12 years, but called the achievements no enough as provinces to complete a training workshop, an official said. expected by the people. The first batch, comprising 33 females, underwent a He regretted Afghanistan remained dependent on foreign six-day training workshop on the election process and aid and the government’s expenses amounting to about methods in Kabul before its departure for provinces. $7.8 billion could not be paid by donor countries. National IEC officials say a total of 170 trainers would be sent to the products could hardly meet a small portion of the country’s 34 provinces, a process to be completed soon. country’s requirements, he continued. On the workshop’s concluding day, IEC Secretary Ziaul On economic growth, the former foreign minister said the Haq Amarkhel urged the participants to be sincere with growth had declined from nine to 5.4 percent, which he their job and avoid becoming under pressure from any called bad news for the nation. circle. “The joblessness of 25 percent of people and poverty are He assured the mentors the election commission would not the main contributors to instability,” Abdullah opined, allow any government official or powerful individual to claiming to create one million jobs in five years if he won influence them. the April elections “I thank all provincial poll workers, who have been able to He criticised the government for failing to maintain a work with honesty so far under tough conditions. The sustainable economic growth and wasting opportunities in election commission is behind you in every legal step you this regard during the past decade. take,” Amarkhel said. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/24/abdullah-vows- He said am impartial and professional role of election boost -domestic-manufacturing officials could win people’s trust in the elections. Amarkhel said the election commission was trying to train its workers effectively in order to avoid past mistakes. He also warned election workers of legal action and dismissal if found guilty of violating the laws. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/24/iec- dispatches-trainers-15-provinces

Civil society activists join striking MP By Abasin Zaheer Feb 24, 2014 - 15:26 KABUL (Pajhwok): Members of civil society organisations visited lawmaker Baktash Siawash on Monday when his protest entered a fifth consecutive day. He has been demanding compensation for families of dead Abdullah vows to boost domestic manufacturing and wounded security personnel. The legislator has been By Pajhwok reporter Feb 24, 2014 - 18:59 protesting against the government’s indifferent approach to the families of the soldiers, who lost their lives in KABUL (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Dr. Abdullah defence of their motherland. Siawash established the Abdullah on Monday said strengthening the private sector protest camp outside the Parliament House to press the and encouraging domestic products would be among his government to consider his demand. Speaking to Pajhwok primary goals. Abdullah, who finished second behind Afghan News, he vowed to continue his strike until the President Karzai in the 2009 elections, said no proper government assured him to extend financial support to the attention had been paid to domestic products, families of slain soldiers.

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 8 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

Civil society activists and youth were joining his protest, from possible insurgent threats ahead of the April vote in the parliamentarian said, adding the number of tents, each northern . housing five individuals, had surged to seven. Provincial police chief, Col Abdur Razzaq Qadiri, told Abdul Rashid, a former officer at the Ministry of Interior Pajhwok Afghan News that security forces were trying to who joined the protest camp, said he had sustained secure all polling stations under threatened in Balkh. injuries in his legs five years back in a blast in Paktia Previously, some 31 polling sites were declared under high province, but the government did not bother to security threat but the number was later reduced to 24 as compensate him. result of operations by Afghan forces, he said. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/24/civil-society- “Some polling sites in Albarz mountainous area, in activists-join-striking-mp Chamtal, Zari and Chahar Bolak districts are at high risk but Afghan forces are doing their bit to secure them,” he 3 polling sites secured; rebel leader killed added. By Mohammad Jan Tamkin Feb 24, 2014 - 11:50 However, an Independent Election Commission (IEC) SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Three polling sites have been official said the voter registration process was ongoing secured and a commander killed in northern successfully and efforts of security forces were satisfactory. Jawzjan province, officials said on Monday. Balkh IEC member Izzatullah Arman said 210,000 people Aminullah, the administrative head of , in the province had been issued with voter cards so far and told Pajhwok Afghan News Mullah Jawed was killed the registration process was still going on in Mazar-I-Sharif during a clash with police in Traghali Afghania area. -- the provincial capital. The individual led a 50-member rebel group and his Residents welcomed the efforts for security polling sites. A killing would help ensure security on the resident of Mazar -I-Sharif, Mohammad Akbar, said Afghan Shiberghan-Qush Tepa highway, he hoped. forces had grown in strength and professionalism and could But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed five ensure security for locals. police were killed or wounded in the clash. He http://www.pajhwok.com/en/ 2014/02/24/all-balkh-polling- acknowledged the loss of only one fighter. stations-be-secured Meanwhile, three polling sites were secured with the installation of new checkpoints on the highway, said police chief, Brig. Gen. Faqir Mohammad Jawzjani. He added the route would become completely secure in the next two days and candidates would be able to conduct their electoral campaign. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/24/3-polling-sites- secured-rebel-leader-killed

Mujaddedi pledges support to Ahmadzai By Khwaja Basir Fitri Feb 24, 2014 - 15:36 KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan National Liberation Front, led by Sibghatullah Mujaddedi, on Monday announced support to presidential contender Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, the party spokesman said.

Dr. Zabihullah Mujaddedi said the government should not interfere in elections and stay impartial during the process. All Balkh polling stations to be secured The party would back Ahmadzai because he had effective By Zabihullah Ehsas Feb 24, 2014 - 15:31 plans to ensure peace in the country and resolve refugee MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Security officials on and drug problems, he added. Monday said they would protect all polling stations

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 9 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

Ahmadzai thanked the party for its support, saying he would appoint eligible and competent individuals to key government positions. If elected, he would ensure good governance and all basic services to the people. Referring to the Kunar incident in which 20 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed, he said: "The attack on our security forces is a direct attack on Afghan honour. Such attacks are simply unacceptable.” http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/24/mujaddedi-pledges-support- ahmadzai

Meddling in polls won’t be allowed: Alizai By Painda Hikmat Feb 25, 2014 - 12:08

KABUL (Pajhwok): The governor of northwestern on Tuesday promised concrete steps would be taken to ensure security for the April 5 presidential and provincial elections. In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Sherzai slams Kandahar security organs Ahmadullah Alizai said an effective security plan was By Basher Ahmad Naadem Feb 24, 2014 - 20:39 being prepared to ensure peaceful conduct of the election. KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Government officials would not be allowed to use the Mohammad Shafiq Gul Agha Sherzai on Monday alleged state machinery for or against any candidate, he said, security institutions in southern had not adding seven of 44 polling stations in the province were adopted any measures to ensure his safety. under security. Addressing a news conference here, he said he had But the issue would be resolved through mediation by travelled to Bamyan, Daikundi and other provinces, where tribal elders and election would be held throughout the strict security measures had been put in place during his province, the governor said. Elders of canvassing. But he saw little security during his campaign district have demanded establishment of 14 additional in Kandahar. polling stations. “I visited Bamyan and Daikundi in connection with my Alizai acknowledged security organs were acting in close election campaign. Tight security was maintained there. coordination to create the right environment for the polls. But the situation was different when I visited my Additionally, youth and tribal elders have also assured the hometown,” complained the ex-governor, who belongs to authorities of their support. Kandahar. Election is a national process and it is the responsibility of He asked President Hamid Karzai and the defence ministry each citizen to cast their vote, according to the governor, to direct the authorities concerned to take steps to ensure who said 42 developments projects, including the security of candidates. He threatened to stage a formal rehabilitation of Baghak Canal, were underway in the protest if proper security was not adopted during his province. election campaign. He added electricity import from Turkmenistan, a project http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/24/sherzai-slams-kandahar that would be completed by end of April, would benefit -security-organs residents. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/25/meddling-polls- won%E2%80%99t-be-allowed-alizai

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 10 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com

Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

"This is a prudent step given that President Karzai has demonstrated that it is unlikely that he will sign the BSA, which would provide DoD personnel with critical protections and authorities after 2014.” As the US military continues to move people and equipment out of the Afghan theater, its force posture over the next several months will provide various options for political leaders in the United States and NATO. The White House Obama called Karzai to discuss preparations for Afghanistan’s elections, reconciliation efforts and the BSA. “The President welcomed the beginning of Afghanistan’s presidential campaign and affirmed the US support for a fair, credible, timely and Afghan-led process,” it said. Options open on post-2014 mission, Obama tells Karzai By Lalit K Jha Feb 25, 2014 - 22:14 “As Afghans soon take the important step of heading to WASHINGTON (PAN): US President Barack Obama on the election polls, they should know that the United States Tuesday called his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai to will be committed to supporting the Afghan security inform him that Washington was moving ahead with forces as they make preparations to secure the Afghan additional contingency planning in Afghanistan after 2014. elections,” the White House said. “Obama told Karzai because he has demonstrated that it is The two leaders noted the important role that independent unlikely that he would sign the Bilateral Security Afghan electoral bodies would play in overseeing a Agreement (BSA), the United States is moving forward historic transfer of power, and Obama reiterated that the with additional contingency planning,” the White House United States would not support any candidate. said in a statement. Karzai updated Obama regarding Afghan-led peace and Specifically, Obama asked the Pentagon to ensure that it reconciliation efforts, and the leaders noted that it was had adequate plans in place to accomplish an orderly critical for regional countries to support a political withdrawal by the end of the year should the US not keep solution to the conflict. any troops in Afghanistan after 2014, the White House Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/02/25/options-open- post-2014-mission-obama-tells-karzai added. “At the same time, should we have a BSA and a willing and committed partner in the Afghan government, a limited post-2014 mission focused on training, advising and assisting Afghan forces and going after the remnants of core Al Qaeda could be in the interest of the United States and Afghanistan,” it said. “Therefore, we will leave open the possibility of concluding a BSA with Afghanistan later this year. However, the longer we go without a BSA, the more challenging it will be to plan and execute any US mission. Furthermore, the longer we go without a BSA, the more likely it will be that any post-2014 US mission will be smaller in scale and ambition,” the statement said.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel quickly said the Pentagon would ensure adequate plans were in place to accomplish an orderly withdrawal by the end of the year.

http://www.pajhwok.com Page 10 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com