Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) Weekly Election Coverage Newsletter, March 26-31
centres, asking the authorities to increase the number of such centres. As the April 5 presidential and provincial council elections draw closer, enthusiasm among Herat residents is growing to participate in the national process. Presently, two voter registration centres are functional in Herat City. Mir Ahmad, 35, a resident of Pul-i-Khaima Duzdan area in the eighth police district, said he had come to the registration centre at 5:35am, but he failed to obtain his voter card until 11am. Naeem pulls out of race in Rassoul’s favour Another resident of Herat City, Abdul Rauf, said he could By Meer Agha Nasrat Samimi Mar 26, 2014 - 11:37 not get his card despite waiting for three hours. He called for opening more centres to address people’s KABUL (Pajhwok): In an expected development, inconvenience. presidential runner Sardar Muhammad Nadir Naeem on Roya Bahrami, another dweller, received her voter card, Wednesday announced withdrawing from the electoral but after two days of wait. She urged the Independent race in favour of Dr. Zalmai Rassoul. Election Commission (IEC) to set up more registration At a joint news conference with Rassoul in Kabul, Naeem centres to enable the blind to exercise their voting right. said his decision was driven by the supreme national On the other hand, residents of far-flung districts who interest, notably unity among the Afghans. visited the provincial capital to get their cards, grumbled The decision was taken after consultation with his about similar problems. Abdullah from Injil district said he supporters, said the candidate, who added: “Supporting had been trying for the past two days to get the voter card. Zalmai Rassoul will bring us closer to national unity -- But Jamaluddin Bakhtiari, head of the voter registration and ultimate success.” centre, said they worked daily to issue voter cards to 750 In his remarks, Rassoul said Naeem’s support had helped people, including 300 women. He added they worked nine him move a step closer to victory in the April 5 vote. The hour a day but the number of candidates was growing and joining of his team by Abdul Qayyum Karzai had hence the delay. enhanced his energy to serve the nation, he added. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/26/voters-demand-more- Rassoul, an ex-foreign minister, announced his doors registration-centres remained open to other runners. On visits to provinces in connection with his election campaign, he found that Security up in Uruzgan in run-up to vote people were fed up with extremism. By Ajmal Wisal Mar 26, 2014 - 14:50 He claimed the masses wanted to vote for his team that TARINKOT (Pajhwok): Officials in central Uruzgan stood for moderation, equality and construction. He urged province on Wednesday said tight security measures had the government to ensure transparent elections and let been put in place around polling stations for the April 5 people decide their future on April 5. presidential and provincial elections. President Hamid Karzai’s brother Abdul Qayyum Karzai Police chief, Brig Gen. Matiullah Khan, in an exclusive has already retired in favour of Rassoul. Another interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, said the number of presidential hopeful, Abdul Rahim Wardak, has also security posts had been increased in the areas where withdrawn from the race. But he has not publicly polling stations were located. supported any candidate. A searching operation was underway across the province http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/26/naeem-pulls-out-race- to address security threats, he said. “I assure Uruzgan rassoul%E2%80%99s-favour residents security forces would use all their ability to Voters demand more registration centres protect the vote. Voters will feel safe turning to polling By Storai Karimi Mar 26, 2014 - 12:52 stations.” He added all polling sites in the province, where the HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): A number of residents of security environment was being improved in the run-up to western Herat province on Wednesday complained about the vote, would open on Election Day. a lack of voter registration
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Separately, 205th Atal Military Corps Commander Gen. His choice for first vice-president Gen. Khuda-i-Dad said Mohammad Rassoul Kandahari said Afghan forces would their team would do all it could to improve the security employ all resources at their disposal to maintain security environment. He also pledged an all-out campaign against for polling sites. graft. “We have encountered no major problem after the http://www.pajhwok.com/en/ 2014/03/26/arsala-vows- withdrawal of foreign forces from Uruzgan; we have been sincere-talks-taliban able to maintain security in all areas. Afghan soldiers have been deployed to some areas to boost security,” he said. Residents are also hopeful of streaming to polling stations in a safe environment. A dweller of Mehrabad area, Mohammad Wali, said he had obtained his voter card and would vote for a candidate of his choice. “I didn’t apply for a voter card in the previous elections because of insecurity,” Wali recalled. A tribal elder, Noorullah, acknowledged security in their area had improved, with most people interested in taking part in the election process. Regional Independent Election Commission (IEC) chief, Abdul Hameed Sharifi, also saw no threat to polling sta- tions. “All 50 polling sites in the province are open and Zia Massoud pledges better security there is no security concern.” Hidayatullah Hamdard Mar 26, 2014 - 16:28 http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/26/security-uruzgan- TALOQAN (Pajhwok): Vice-presidential hopefuls Ahmad run-vote Zia Massoud and Abdul Wahab Irfan on Wednesday promised residents of northern Takhar province they would restore peace and introduce Shariah if they succeeded in the upcoming elections.
Massoud, Zalmai Rassoul’s candidate for VP, told hundreds of supporters at an election rally in Taloqan insecurity was a major impediment to Afghanistan’s economic progress and prosperity.
He said if his team won next month’s elections, it would bring peace and stability to the country within 18 months. Afghan National Army (ANA) and police would be equipped with latest heavy weapons and families of martyrs compensated, he added. Mahmood Karzai, a brother of President Hamid Karzai, Arsala vows sincere talks with Taliban promised to attract investment to the province to boost By Zabihullah Ihsas Mar 26, 2014 - 15:26 agriculture and energy sectors. MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Hidayat Also on Wednesday, Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf’s Amin Arsala on Wednesday promised sincere peace candidate for the VP slot, Abdul Wahab Irfan, told a negotiations with Taliban if he won the April 5 election. similar public meeting he would enforce peace in the Addressing hundreds of supporters in Mazar-i-Sharif, country. He said corruption would be eradicated and a Arsala said: “The Afghans need peace and I will launch proper system Zakat put in place. sincere dialogue with the Taliban in a bid to achieve Provincial council member Qazi Kabir Murzban, also a stability.” He also referred to widespread corruption in former jihadi commander and governor of Takhar, government departments, saying he would introduce good declared support to Sayyaf. governance and institutional reforms to get rid of the menace. “The economic situation needs special attention. In http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/26/zia-massoud- my future programmes for the country, I have a clear pledges -better-security economic policy,” the candidate added.
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Gatherings held in support of candidates By Shams Jalal Mar 26, 2014 - 18:06 LASHKARGAH/ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Separate gatherings were held in on support of presidential runners Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, Zalmai Rassoul, Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf and Gul Agha Sherzai in Helmand and Logar provinces on Wednesday. Hundreds of Helmand residents announced their support to Ahmadzai. The candidate’s campaign leader in the province, Haji Bismillah Rohani, said a majority of residents supported Ahmadzai as next president. Residents including women of Logar province supported Ahmadzai, saying he was the right person to lead the 92pc of Afghans support elections: survey country, facing a whole host of challenges as NATO-led By Hassan Khitab Mar 26, 2014 - 17:59 combat troops prepare to leave Afghanistan. A Wolesi Jirga member, Wagma Sapi, said: “We support KABUL (Pajhwok): Citing a new survey, the Free and Ahmadzai because he has good programmes for women’s Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA) on welfare.” She also praised the ex-finance minister’s vision Wednesday said 92 percent of Afghans supported the for Afghanistan’s future. April 5 elections, but they were worried about possible Also on Wednesday, Zalmai Rassoul, Abdu Rab Rassoul fraud. Sayyaf and Gul Agha Sherzai were assured of support by Of the 4,000 people interviewed, 92 percent of residents of Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand, and some respondents said they would participate in the presidential districts. and provincial council elections. Five percent did not http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/26/gatherings-held- support the polls and three percent refused to comment. support-candidates According to the survey, 75 percent of those polled said they would cast their votes -- a high percentage compared Dead PC runner identified as Mohammadi with the previous elections. By Meer Agha Nasrat Samimi Mar 26, 2014 - 18:06 Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they would vote KABUL (Pajhwok): A provincial council candidate who for a candidate who had the ability to serve the nation, died a day earlier along with nine others in a brazen while six percent indicated they would vote in line with Taliban attack on the Independent Election Commission advice from family and friends. (IEC)’s regional office in Kabul has been identified as About their demands from candidates, 73 percent said they Zamarai Mohammadi. wanted peace and stability, 41 percent called for education Mohammadi visited the IEC office in the Darulaman area facilities and 39 percent wished economic development. on Tuesday to obtain cards for his election observers when Presenting the survey at a press conference, FEFA head the attack took place, IEC officials said. Ahmad Nader Naderi said the survey showed most The attack began when one suicide attacker blew up his car Afghans wanted inclusive and fair elections to elect a outside the IEC office and paved the way for other gunmen legitimate government. to enter the compound near the house of presidential He said despite fears about possible fraud and security candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. among some people, still they were interested in the Ahmadzai was not present at his residence at the time and elections. was campaigning outside Kabul. The leading candidate was The survey said 68 percent of Afghans believed the not the target as explained by the Taliban who said the country was heading in the right direction. target was the election office. The Ministry of Interior said 10 people, including five Naderi asked all candidates to respect the election law and attackers, were killed in the incident. Two IEC officials, cooperate with the electoral bodies in holding transparent including a female, and two policemen were among the elections. fatalities. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/26/92pc-afghans- The provincial council elections are due on April 5 and support-elections-survey nearly 2,600 individuals have jumped into the fray across the country. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/26/dead- pc-runner-identified-mohammadi
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UN promises neutrality in next week's elections KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Dr. By Muhammad Hassan Khetab Mar 28, 2014 - 11:34 Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Friday vowed to transform southern Kandahar province into a transit trade centre. KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations has promised its Addressing an election rally here, Ahmadzai promised to ‘complete impartiality’ in next week's elections, assuring construct water dams to promote agriculture in the province the war-devastated country of continued assistance. if he won the April 5 vote. He would also build a railroad in Speaking to reporters in Kabul late on Thursday, Spin Boldak road. Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, After coming into power, the ex-finance minister said he Hervé Ladsous said some “enemies of democracy” were would implement the multi-billion dollars perpetrating violence to deny the Afghans their right to Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline choose their leaders. project, known as TAPI. "You all stand against the violence; you make the choice “Just like the National Solidarity Programme that I have of the ballot box rather than the bullet, and let me tell you extended to rural areas, an initiative for urban development that so does the UN," he remarked, voicing satisfaction will be launched if I succeed,” he announced. with preparations for the landmark vote. Ahmadzai added he would also establish an Ladsous acknowledged the Independent Election international-standard university in Kandahar besides Commission (IEC), together with other Afghan paving the way for the return of refugees in a dignified authorities, had appreciably improved the measures to way. detect irregularities in the polls, slated for April 5. In southeastern Khost City, thousands of people at a similar Election runners themselves should ask supporters to event promised voting for another runner, Qutbuddin Hilal, avoid fraud to ensure the vote's credibility, in next week’s election. the UN official suggested, asking candidates to accept the Supported by the Hekmatyar-led Hezb-i-Islami results once they had been announced and endorsed. Afghanistan, Hilal was to fly to Khost to address the public
meeting, but he failed to do so due to bad weather. Women could play an important role in the elections as Speaking to the participants over the telephone, Hilal voters, candidates and workers, he believed. “As in many promised jobs for youth from Paktia and Khost provinces. other areas, women have a key role to play. Without them He underlined the need for credible and fair elections for there would not be a truly representative and credible the sake of stability in the country. vote.” Lik: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/28/ghani-make- On a three-day visit to Afghanistan, the top UN official also attended the official ceremony marking Nawroz at kandahar-transit-trade-centre the Presidential Palace. He is to meet representatives of Support pledged to Abdullah, Sayyaf the governmental, civil society, as UNAMA and other By Zabihullah Ehsas Mar 28, 2014 - 15:36 agencies. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/28/un- KABUL/MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Thousands of promises-neutrality-next-weeks-elections people on Friday pledged support to presidential runners Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf in Balkh and Kabul provinces. Addressing an election campaign rally in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, Abdullah praised the development of Balkh in recent years and the sacrifices rendered during the jihad. “Balkh represents a model of development, national unity and merit. It’s an economic hub, where the ground has also been paved for political activities,” he said. This time around, the Afghans would decide their future through the ballot, hoped Abdullah, who expected the election bodies to check fraud in the democratic exercise. In the Bagrami district of Kabul, scores of residents promised support to Sayyaf at a public meeting, attended by representatives of 34 villages. Ghani to make Kandahar transit trade centre Provincial council candidate Nisar Ahmad Bahlol urged By Bashir Ahmed Naadem Mar 28, 2014 - 17:14 participants to vote for Sayyaf -- a noted religious scholar and jihadi commander.
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20 Nimroz polling stations under threat Haysom emphasized that Afghans should not be By Ramin Mar 27, 2014 - 17:14 intimidated or denied their right to choose their leaders and shape the country's future by the enemies of democracy. ZARANJ (Pajhwok): Some provincial council candidates He made the comments following a meeting on on Thursday said 20 polling stations were under high Wednesday with Minister of the Interior Mohammad security threat in southwestern Nimroz province. Omar Daudzai. They discussed security preparations for One candidate Ahmad Omid told Pajhwok Afghan News the landmark Presidential and Provincial Council polls two polling sites in Firozi and Gach Star areas and some slated for 5 April. other in Dilaram and Khashrod districts were under high While fulfilling their critical role in providing security to security threat. the process, UNAMA notes that the Afghan security forces A little more than a week to go before the elections, the also have a responsibility to remain politically impartial in polling stations were remained shut, he said, expressing discharging their duties. concern that many people might be deprived of their right "As the security guardians of the vote, Afghan security to vote. forces must act in the national interest," Haysom said. Provincial council deputy head, Mohammad Nader "This would include remaining completely impartial Baloch, said newly-established polling sites were located between candidates and allowing access to the electoral in Taliban-dominated areas. process by independent observers and candidate and A regional Independent Election Commission (IEC) political party agents." official, who wished not be named, said 15 polling sites http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/27/un-notes-election were under high security threat in Nimroz, but authorities -security-preparations had promised to ensure security for them. An influential resident of Sistan area of Zaranj said at least one polling site had been opened in their locality in previous elections, “but there is none this time around”. “We have repeatedly shared the issue with the officials concerned, but they said the government has decided against establishing a voting center in Sistan,” Mohammad Zaman added. Provincial police chief, Mohammad Qasim Jangal Bagh, said only 15 polling sites in the province were under high security threat. Security for four sites in Khashrod area was recently ensured, he claimed. He said that four other polling sites in Khashrod and seven in Dilaram district would be also protected during an upcoming operation. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/27/20-nimroz- polling-stations-under-threat Ahmadzai to turn east into economic hub UN notes election security preparations By Pajhwok Report Mar 27, 2014 - 17:32 By Pajhwok Report Mar 27, 2014 - 17:18 KABUL (Pajhwok): Leading presidential candidate Dr. KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Assistance Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Thursday said he would turn Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday said eastern provinces into a huge economic, transit trade hub despite security challenges progress was being made by and a defensive gate to the central capital Kabul. security forces in creating conditions for citizens to He was addressing a campaign rally in Jalalabad, the exercise their right to vote. capital of eastern Nangarhar province, where tens of "Afghans are in the lead on providing security for the thousands of people from neighbouring Kunar, Nuristan elections process," said the Secretary-General’s Deputy and Laghman provinces had arrived. Special Representative for Afghanistan and acting head of Religious scholars and tribal elders from the eastern UNAMA, Nicholas Haysom. provinces also took part in the rally. In a statement from the UN mission, he said: "The Afghan If won the April 5 presidential elections, Ahmadzai said he security forces have demonstrated their increased capabili- would enable eastern provinces to export electricity to the ties in the extensive preparations undertaken to give those rest of Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, including Afghans who wish to vote the opportunity to do so.” India.
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He also promised establishing an international standard He said Balkh was Afghanistan’s best agricultural Islamic university in the east and returning the past glory to province, but it lacked irrigation facilities, on which his the Nangarhar University. government will work under a special plan. If succeeded, The former finance minister said a science and technology Rassoul said half of his Cabinet will represent the youth. centre would be established in the east, where another Mehmood Karzai, who accompanied Rassoul on the trip, centre to enrich Pashtun language would be set up. encouraged the rally participants to vote for him. He said He said eastern provinces would earn a reputation of an “the moderation, equality and reconstruction team” will industrial centre, which would export goods across the implement five major plans, including developing globe. domestic production and establishing railway lines. Ahmadzai also said the land in eastern Afghanistan was They will develop the agriculture sector, legalise mining fertile and he would bring in use waters flowing to and construct modern townships in Balkh and in other neighbouring countries, besides overhauling the provinces, said Karzai, who called Rassoul a right choice canalisation project in Nangarhar. for the presidency. Meanwhile, two separate gatherings were organized in http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/27/rassoul-fight- Kabul and southern Helmand province in support of graft -land-grabbing Ahmadzai and another front-line presidential runner Zalmai Rassoul. UN promises neutrality in next week's elections Rassoul, a former foreign minister, was pledged support at By Muhammad Hassan Khetab Mar 28, 2014 - 11:34 the gathering in Kabul. Around 400 residents from KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations has promised its Wazirabad, Qala Fathullah and Thaimani areas took part in ‘complete impartiality’ in next week's elections, assuring the rally. the war-devastated country of continued assistance. In Helmand, hundreds of people took part in a rally Speaking to reporters in Kabul late on Thursday, supporting Ahmadzai in Lashkargah, the provincial capital. Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/27/ahmadzai-turn- Hervé Ladsous said some “enemies of democracy” were east-economic-hub perpetrating violence to deny the Afghans their right to choose their leaders. "You all stand against the violence; you make the choice of the ballot box rather than the bullet, and let me tell you that so does the UN," he remarked, voicing satisfaction with preparations for the landmark vote. Ladsous acknowledged the Independent Election Commission (IEC), together with other Afghan authorities, had appreciably improved the measures to detect irregularities in the polls, slated for April 5. Election runners themselves should ask supporters to avoid fraud to ensure the vote's credibility, Rassoul to fight graft, land-grabbing the UN official suggested, asking candidates to accept the By Zabihullah Ihsas Mar 27, 2014 - 22:23 results once they had been announced and endorsed.
MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): With the presidential Women could play an important role in the elections as election scheduled for next week, leading candidate Dr. voters, candidates and workers, he believed. “As in many Zalmai Rassoul on Thursday pledged to fight other areas, women have a key role to play. Without them administrative corruption and crackdown on land-grabbers there would not be a truly representative and credible if won the April 5 vote. vote.” His government will seriously work to overcome the On a three-day visit to Afghanistan, the top UN official challenges of administrative graft and land-grab incidents, also attended the official ceremony marking Nawroz at the Rassoul told thousands of people attending his campaign Presidential Palace. He is to meet representatives of the rally at a stadium in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern governmental, civil society, as UNAMA and other agen- Balkh province. The former foreign minister also vowed to cies. establish the rule of law and will allow no one to violate Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/28/un- it.He will try to further develop industries, including carpet, promises-neutrality-next-weeks-elections
in Mazar-i-Sharif and across Balkh province.
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Support pledged to Abdullah, Sayyaf Supported by the Hekmatyar-led Hezb-i-Islami By Zabihullah Ehsas Mar 28, 2014 - 15:36 Afghanistan, Hilal was to fly to Khost to address the public meeting, but he failed to do so due to bad weather. KABUL/MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Thousands of Speaking to the participants over the telephone, Hilal people on Friday pledged support to presidential runners promised jobs for youth from Paktia and Khost provinces. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf in He underlined the need for credible and fair elections for Balkh and Kabul provinces. the sake of stability in the country. Addressing an election campaign rally in the northern city http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/28/ghani-make- of Mazar-i-Sharif, Abdullah praised the development of kandahar-transit-trade-centre Balkh in recent years and the sacrifices rendered during the jihad. “Balkh represents a model of development, national unity and merit. It’s an economic hub, where the ground has also been paved for political activities,” he said. This time around, the Afghans would decide their future through the ballot, hoped Abdullah, who expected the election bodies to check fraud in the democratic exercise. In the Bagrami district of Kabul, scores of residents promised support to Sayyaf at a public meeting, attended by representatives of 34 villages. Provincial council candidate Nisar Ahmad Bahlol urged participants to vote for Sayyaf -- a noted religious scholar and jihadi commander. Sayyaf’s son Habibur Rahman said transparent elections were central to bringing peace and stability to the country. Sadat warns of threats to election process If his father succeeded, the mining sector would be By Hassan Khitab Mar 29, 2014 - 17:21 exploited, security enforced and jobs created, he KABUL (Pajhwok): Only one week before the April 5 concluded. vote, the independent electoral complaints commission http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/28/support-pledged- (IECC) on Saturday warned of serious threats to the abdullah-sayyaf process. IECC Chairman Abdul Sattar Sadat told a news Ghani to make Kandahar transit trade centre conference in Kabul that insecurity posed a major threat to By Bashir Ahmed Naadem Mar 28, 2014 - 17:14 the presidential and provincial elections, slated for April 5. He added election observers found it hard overseeing the KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Dr. process in insecure areas, where there were chances of Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Friday vowed to transform fraud and irregularities. southern Kandahar province into a transit trade centre. “Some warlords, a product of decades of war, are trying to Addressing an election rally here, Ahmadzai promised to maintain their sway by victimising the people, grabbing construct water dams to promote agriculture in the important positions and abusing democracy.” Sadat called province if he won the April 5 vote. He would also build a the misuse of government resources another concern. “We railroad in Spin Boldak road. are aware some candidates continue using government After coming into power, the ex-finance minister said he resources. Only two or three are not involved in this would implement the multi-billion dollars Turkmenistan- practice.” He added the commission had taken measures to Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, known as prevent the candidates from using government resources. TAPI. Supporters of runners, civil society organisations and “Just like the National Solidarity Programme that I have political parties could help address the problems, he extended to rural areas, an initiative for urban develop- continued. Independent Electoral Complaints Commission ment will be launched if I succeed,” he announced. (IECC) member Azizullah Aryafar said militants had Ahmadzai added he would also establish an international- resorted to suicide attacks to disrupt the election process. standard university in Kandahar besides paving the way He said Afghanistan’s enemies had always tried to disrupt for the return of refugees in a dignified way. the process but security forces had been able to foil their In southeastern Khost City, thousands of people at a simi- nefarious plans. lar event promised voting for another runner, Qutbuddin Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/sadat-warns- Hilal, in next week’s election. threats-election-process
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Logar voter registration centre closed By Abdul Maqsood Azizi Mar 29, 2014 - 17:39 PUL-I-ALM (Pajhwok): Locals complained on Saturday the voter registration centre had been closed in the capital of central Logar province, but officials pledged the centre would reopen on Sunday (tomorrow). Residents of Pul-i-Alam said people from far-flung areas were coming to get their cards but the centre had been closed for the last several days. Mohammad Ishaq told Pajhwok Afghan News he had been waiting since morning in front of the registration centre, but the office was still shut. By closing the office, the Independent Election Attacks won’t deter Afghans from voting: President Commission (IEC) has trampled the right of hundreds of By Pajhwok Report Mar 29, 2014 - 20:44 Logaris, who may be deprived of taking part in the elections. KABUL (Pajhwok): Condemning the latest terrorist attacks Zabihullah, another resident complained the voter’s in Kabul, President Hamid Karzai said foreign intelligence registration office had been closed and police did not allow networks were out to sabotage the landmark elections people to get closer to the office. scheduled to be held next week. Wishing not to be named, a police official on duty said: Such attacks would not deter Afghans from participating in “Several groups are coming to get their cards but the office the elections and the political process to rebuild their is closed for the last three days.” country, the president said in a statement from his office. Dr. Niamatullah Wardak, provincial IEC director, He hoped millions of Afghans would stream to polling confirmed the voters’ registration centre had been closed. stations to exercise their constitutionally-mandated right to “We have only one voters’ registration centre in Logar, elect a future head of state. which has to be closed because its officials are busy Presidential and provincial polls would be conducted on disbursing voters’ cards among soldiers of 203 thunder schedule, he promised, saying the enemies of peace in cops,” he noted. Afghanistan would not succeed in achieving their nefarious He said the centre would resume work from tomorrow in designs through violence. the provincial capital as the registration process of soldiers He directed the officials concerned to extend all possible would be completed today. assistance to the family of a minor girl, who was killed in Dr. Abdul Wakil, provincial council candidate, said any Friday’s insurgent attack on a guest house. delay in disbursing voters’ cards among people would Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in leave negative impact on the election process. Afghanistan (UNAMA) also condemned the attack on the The government, he said should work out a comprehensive IEC and confirmed its own neighbouring base was hit by plan to set up a separate voters’ centre for soldiers. small arms fire. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/logar-voter All UN staff members are accounted for and reported safe, -registration-centre-closed a UNAMA statement said. The mission reiterated that electoral institutions and their staff should not be the targets of deliberate attacks.
“Resorting to violence to intimidate citizens from exercising their democratic rights is an admission that you have lost the ability to win over people through political persuasion,” said the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom.
Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/attacks- won%E2%80%99t-deter-afghans-voting-president
Ghani to promote tourism in Bamyan By Hadi Ghafari Mar 29, 2014 - 18:05
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BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential candidate Dr Kunar residents support Abdullah, Sayyaf Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Saturday promised to By Khan Wali Salarzai Mar 29, 2014 - 17:33 promote the tourism industry in central Bamyan province ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Two separate gatherings were held and improve highway security if he won next week’s in eastern Kunar province in support of presidential vote. contenders Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Abdul Rab Rassoul Addressing thousands of supporters in Bamyan City, Sayyaf on Saturday. Ghani called the killing of Afghans intolerable and Hundreds of people in Khas Kunar district pledged support promised an end to the current wave of violence after he to Abdullah in the elections. Maulvi Shahzada Shahid, came to power. Abdullah’s campaign manager, told the participants to cast Ghani said he would pay special attention to luring their votes for Abdullah for the sake of a prosperous investment tourists to the province. “I promise you Afghanistan. electricity supply, asphalted roads and fast-track Abdullah had comprehensive programmes for the development,” he told the gathering. development and prosperity of the country, specifically the Asphalting the Gardandiwal highway -- connecting Kunar province, he added. Bamyan with Herat and Mazar-I-Sharif -- is among his Similarly, hundreds of Sayyaf’s supporters gathered in the programmes. provincial capital. Speakers hailed Sayyaf as a leading Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/ghani- religious scholar who had effective plans to develop the promote-tourism-bamyan country. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/kunar- residents-support-abdullah-sayyaf
Sherzai dubs Karzai govt as most corrupt By Pajhwok reporter Mar 29, 2014 - 18:15
KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Gul Gunmen beat IEC employee in Sar-i-Pul Agha Sherzai on Saturday dubbed the Karzai By Pajhwok reporter Mar 29, 2014 - 15:24 administration as the most corrupt government and promised a determined fight against graft if won the SAR -I-PUL (Pajhwok): An illegal armed group has beaten a elections. Addressing an election campaign rally in local Independent Election Commission employee in the northern Kunduz province, Sherzai alleged Karzai’s weak Balkhab district of northern Sar-i-Pul province on, Provin- administration had caused a capital flight of $700 million cial IEC official said on Saturday. Abdul Rahman Farid, the during the last fiscal year. Sherzai, a former governor of IEC provincial office head, expressed concern over the inci- Nangarhar and Kandahar provinces, said in case of dent and told Pajhwok Afghan News the organiser had gone election victory, he would strive to introduce good to the district to conduct a workshop. Sayed Ali, the organ- governance. He condemned Russia as Afghanistan’s iser, was hospitalised with face and head injuries, Farid said, enemy. “We neither request Russia for money nor for asking the government to punish the perpetrators. projects. Iran and Pakistan should also understand that Police chief Maj. Gen. Noor Habib Gulbahari said six peo- Afghans will let no one violate their territorial integrity. ple had been arrested in connection with the incident. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/sherzai- Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/gunmen-beat dubs-karzai-govt-most-corrupt -iec-employee-sar-i-pul
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Attackers killed after 5-hour battle: Salangi He put the tax payable by candidates at 2 million By Khwaja Basir Fitri Mar 29, 2014 - 13:44 afghanis, saying his department had been unable to establish contacts with the runners despite hectic efforts. KABUL (Pajhwok): The attack on Independent Election Amiri added the issue had been shared both with Commission (IEC) headquarters in Kabul ended on Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) Saturday evening with the killing of five assailants, the officials and campaign teams of the runners. deputy interior minister said. Nafisa Sialai Wardak, a provincial council candidate, Gen. Ayub Salangi told reporters at the site the burqa- acknowledged the problem, saying she had received a notice clad assailants fired at the commission’s office from a from the electoral watchdog. The IECC asked her to pay the nearby building and clashed with security personnel for tax to the municipality. nearly five hours. Two policemen were slightly injured in She urged all candidates to respect municipality rules and the gun battle. clear the taxes. Only one rocket was fired at the compound on the Meanwhile, IEC local head for Maidan Wardak, Eng. Kabul-Jalalabad road by the attackers, who mostly used Noorullah, said they were taking steps after the issue was light weapons, according to the deputy minister. He said shared with them by the municipality. He added the incident was under investigation. campaigners had pledged to pay the levy next week. But witnesses claimed at least 15 rockets were fired in addition to a volley of gunfire. Some of the rockets hit the Attackers killed after 5-hour battle: Salangi IEC compound, they said. By Khwaja Basir Fitri Mar 29, 2014 - 13:44 Maj. Gen. Mohammad Zahir, the Kabul police chief, earlier told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents forced KABUL (Pajhwok): The attack on Independent Election their way into the building in front of the IEC office in the Commission (IEC) headquarters in Kabul ended on Saturday ninth police district at around 12:30pm. evening with the killing of five assailants, the deputy interior Noor Mohammad Noor, the commission's spokesman, minister said. told Pajhwok Afghan News that all IEC staffers had been Gen. Ayub Salangi told reporters at the site the burqa-clad evacuated to safe rooms. He said intense gunfire was assailants fired at the commission’s office from a nearby traded between the attackers and security forces. Soon building and clashed with security personnel for nearly five afterwards, security forces rushed to the site. hours. Two policemen were slightly injured in the gun battle. Haji Mohib, who owns the three-storey building, quoted Only one rocket was fired at the compound on the his security guards as saying that the attackers were clad Kabul-Jalalabad road by the attackers, who mostly used light in women's clothes. Sensing the danger, the guards ran weapons, according to the deputy minister. He said the away. incident was under investigation. Mohib added he had asked the police station concerned But witnesses claimed at least 15 rockets were fired in either to provide security for the building or give his addition to a volley of gunfire. Some of the rockets hit the guards arms to defend themselves. However, he alleged, IEC compound, they said. police did not heed his request. Maj. Gen. Mohammad Zahir, the Kabul police chief, earlier Samiullah, an eyewitness account, said Taliban started told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents forced their way firing, followed by two heavy blasts. Gunshots rang out in into the building in front of the IEC office in the ninth police the area for a long time, according to him. The scene was district at around 12:30pm. cordoned off. Noor Mohammad Noor, the commission's spokesman, told Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/attackers- Pajhwok Afghan News that all IEC staffers had been killed-after-5-hour-battle-salangi evacuated to safe rooms. He said intense gunfire was traded between the attackers and security forces. Soon afterwards, Election runners accused of tax evasion security forces rushed to the site. By Pajhwok Report Mar 29, 2014 - 12:03 Haji Mohib, who owns the three-storey building, quoted his security guards as saying that the attackers were clad in MAIDAN SHAHR (Pajhwok): None of presidential and women's clothes. Sensing the danger, the guards ran away. provincial council candidates has paid taxes on the Mohib added he had asked the police station concerned billboards they have installed in various parts of Maidan either to provide security for the building or give his guards Shahr, officials said on Saturday. Posters, photographs arms to defend themselves. However, he alleged, police did and billboards of the runners had been displayed illegally not heed his request. in various parts of the Maidan Wardak capital by their http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/29/attackers-killed- campaigners, Mayor Eng. Mahmood Amiri told Pajhwok after-5-hour-battle-salangi Afghan News.
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Attacks won’t derail elections: Amarkhel complained they had neither received their voter cards nor By Javed Hamim Kakar Mar 30, 2014 - 12:58 had proper awareness about the elections process. Ahmad Jan, a resident of the district, told Pajhwok Afghan News KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election though security had considerably improved in the town, yet Commission (IEC) and Afghans remain committed to most of the people were without getting voter cards. holding transparent polls and rebel assaults would not Locals expressed satisfaction with improved law and order deter them from pursuing their objective, an official said. but lamented awareness programmes were not conducted in Following an attack on the commission’s headquarters, the province. IEC Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel told journalists on Gulzar, another resident, said: “I’ve got my voter card but I Saturday night the panel was determined to conduct have no knowledge how to use it.” presidential and provincial elections on schedule. His co-villager Eng. Wahid said Greshk had bolstered Five insurgents stormed the IEC headquarters on the security but remote localities of the province would Kabul-Jalalabad road in the ninth police district at around experience law and order problems on elections day. 12:30pm. The attack ended on Saturday evening with the “People in far-flung areas neither got their voter cards nor a killing of the assailants. proper awareness campaign launched among residents about Denouncing the assault, Amarkhel said the enemies of ballot process,” he informed. peace and stability had once again shown their utter But Qudratullah Naqshbandi, Independent Elections disregard for people’s will. Such acts were aimed to Commission (IEC) director, said his department had set up a sabotage the election process, he alleged. voter registration office in Greshk, where most of the people “IEC and people of Afghanistan are committed to had received their cards. transparent polls and no one will deter us from pursuing Public awareness programmes had been launched, he our goal,” he affirmed, calling elections the only way to claimed, saying there might be some problems faced by the ensure lasting peace in the country. people about the process. Commission workers escaped unhurt in the heinous He urged religious scholars, local elders and civil society attack. Non-sensitive election materials caught fire after a organisations to extend their all-out support to facilitate rocket hit the compound, but firefighters extinguished the people and make the elections process successful. blaze, he added. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/most-greshk- Wishing not to be named, an IEC worker said one rocket residents-sans-voter-cards hit the commission’s building. The attackers targetted a fuel store and election materials, he claimed. Foreign observers pulling out; EU team stays http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/attacks-won% By Javed Hamim Kakar Mar 30, 2014 - 15:59 E2%80%99t-derail-elections-amarkhel KABUL (Pajhwok): International election observers are preparing to leave Kabul following a string of deadly Taliban attacks in the heart of the central capital, a source said on Sunday. Brazen assaults on Serena Hotel, frequented by foreigners, and the Independent Election Commission headquarters have prompted international monitors to pull out of Kabul. Coming a week ahead of the landmark presidential vote, slated for April 5, the attack on the IEC headquarters ended on Saturday evening with the killing of five assailants. The burqa-clad assailants fired at the commission’s office from a nearby building and clashed with security personnel for hours. Two policemen were slightly injured in the gunbattle. Earlier in the month, two major international election observation missions left Afghanistan in the wake of the March 20 attack on the luxury Hotel. The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Most Greshk residents sans voter cards Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe By Shams Jalal Mar 30, 2014 - 14:56 (OSCE) withdrew staff, leaving the European Union's ASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Most residents of the Greshk international monitoring mission the only major one to district in southern Helmand province on Sunday remain.
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An NDI observer, Luis Maria Duarte, was among the but necessary materials were yet to be dispatched to the nine people killed after four teenager attackers opened areas. He told Pajhwok Afghan News the number of polling fire at the restaurant, where mostly foreigners were stations facing a high security threat in the provincial capital staying at the time. and Kohistanat district had come down from 32 to 16. One international observer, requesting not to be named, He asked the Independent Election Commission to dispatch told Pajhwok Afghan News many of the missions, electoral materials to the sites in time to pave ground for including the Bangkok-based Asian Foundation for Free people casting their votes on April 5. Elections (ANFREL), had decided to leave. Abdul Rahman Farid, the IEC provincial office head, “Many of them are expected to return home in the next confirmed security for 16 polling stations. They had shared couple of days,” he said, voicing concern at the growing the issue with the headquarters in Kabul but a decision on insecurity. whether to open the sites was still awaited, he explained. But the EU election assessment team will stay in Electoral materials have been sent to Kohistanat and Afghanistan to observe the vote. “The team is here on the Balkhab districts and based on previous preparations, 111 invitation of Afghan authorities and will carry out its polling centers are supposed to be opened. work as planned,” EU chief observer Thijs Berman. Recently MP Sayed Anwar Sadat complained that 25 http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/foreign- percent of people would be deprived of casting their votes observers-pulling-out-eu-team-stays for security reasons and another 25 percent due to a shortage of electoral materials. Over 200 election complaints referred to AGO http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/16-more-polling- By Naheed Bashardost Mar 30, 2014 - 16:01 sites-secured-sar-i-pul KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) on Sunday said 200 complaints had been referred to the Attorney General Office (AGO). IECC officials told a news conference in Kabul of the 3,000 complaints they had received, 2,212 had been addressed and 792 others were still under review. Deputy Secretary Wahid Akbar Sarwari said only six complaints pertained to presidential candidates and the rest were against provincial council runners. He added 502 objections had been raised to candidates’ qualifications, 52 about their age limit, 25 about election campaigns and 40 about the provincial candidates’ failure to defend themselves. 748 polling sites to stay shut IECC Secretary Mohammad Ali Setigh called 2013 a year By Hassan Khitab Mar 30, 2014 - 16:44 of democratic growth period when President Hamid Karzai approved the two election bodies -- IECC and KABUL (Pajhwok): Independent Election Commission Independent Election Commission. (IEC) security body on Sunday announced that 90 percent of He insisted the IECC had properly addressed the polling stations across the country would remain open on complaints, asking civil society organisations and media April 5. The IEC’s security body chief, Maj. Gen Salem outlets to help them prevent fraud and interference in the Ehsas told reporters in Kabul 748 of 6,423 polling sites process. would stay shut on Election Day due to insecurity, road http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/over-200- blockades and other factors. IEC Secretary Ziaul Haq election-complaints-referred-ago Amarkhel, who was also present on the occasion, said the closure of 10 percent of polling sites would not affect the 16 more polling sites secured in Sar-i-Pul election process. “The number of sites that will remain open By Pajhwok reporter Mar 30, 2014 - 16:10 is pretty high, compared with the previous elections,” Amarkhel observed, saying important materials had been SAR-I-PUL (Pajhwok): Sixteen polling stations facing a transported to polling sites. high security threat have been secured in northern Sar-i-
Pul province, the governor claimed on Sunday. Abdul http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/748-polling- Jabbar Haqbin said security for the election sites had been sites-stay-shut ensured with people’s cooperation,
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Abdullah promises madrasa reform By Bashir Ahmad Naadem Mar 30, 2014 - 18:47 KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday promised he would promote seminaries and expedite refugees’ repatriation if he won the April 5 ballot. Speaking to thousands of his supporters in southern Kanda- har province, Abdullah said he would focus on religious schools so that Afghans get Islamic education at home in- stead of going to neighbouring countries. He alleged the Afghans pursuing Islamic education abroad were being misguided into fanning the flames of extremism Ghani leading presidential race: ATR survey and violence in the country. By Pajhwok reporter Mar 30, 2014 - 17:53 Referring to his refugees’ repatriation plan, he claimed hav- ing an inclusive plan to bring back the Afghans to their KABUL (Pajhwok): Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai is motherland in a respectable. He also promised steps to en- leading the race for the presidency, followed by Dr. sure smooth electricity supply to Kandahar City. Abdullah Abdullah, a new pre-election survey revealed His running mate, Eng. Mohammad Khan, said he was on Sunday. pleased to see such a huge gathering -- a sign of national Conducted by Assess Transform and Reach (ATR), the unity. He urged the participants to support his team for the survey said about 26.9 percent of respondents voted for sake of peace and stability in the country. Ahmadzai, while 24.7 percent supported Abdullah. Ex-foreign minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul received 7.5 Rassoul to combat violence against women percent of votes those polled. More than 3220 people By Storai Karimi Mar 30, 2014 - 20:51 were asked about their perceptions. It said 872 of those polled supported Ahmadzai, while HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Presidential candidate Dr. Zalmai 856 backed Abdullah. Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf was Rassoul on Sunday visited western Herat province, supported by 2.7 percent. promising to banish violence against women, corruption and Similarly, 28.8 percent (927) of the respondents said they kidnappings. were undecided, with 6.8 percent (215) supporting none Rassoul said he would intensify efforts to stop violence of the candidates. against women, graft and kidnapping cases in the province The survey covered 953 women and 2,259 men -- 1,934 after he won the next week’s presidential polls. urbanites and 1,288 from rural areas. Addressing tens of thousands of his supporters in Herat city, http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/ghani-leading- he said insecurity and kidnappings were major problems and presidential-race-atr-survey he would address the issues once he won as president of the country. Govt officials backing runners: Sherzai He said administrative corruption was a major challenge and By Zabihullah Ihsas Mar 30, 2014 - 18:42 he would work out a gigantic plan to eliminate the menace from the country. MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Presidential runner He called on people to participate in the ballot process and Mohammad Shafiq Gul Agha Sherzai on Sunday urged they should not be deceived by empty promises of other residents of northern Balkh province to vote for him if candidates. they wanted fast-paced progress and development of the http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/30/rassoul-combat- country. Thousands of people attended the public meeting violence-against-women at the Sina Ground in Mazar-i-Sharif and pledged support to Sherzai in the presidential elections, scheduled for Election runner kidnapped in Sar-i-Pul April 5. He questioned how some of his rival contenders By Pajhwok Report Mar 31, 2014 - 12:09 would serve the masses if they were elected because they did not perform well when they were previously serving SAR-I-PUL (Pajhwok): A provincial council candidate has as ministers. He alleged senior government officials were been kidnapped by militants in northern Sar-i-Pul province, backing some presidential hopefuls but stopped short of a senior official said on Monday. Hussain Nazari was seized naming anyone. from a passenger vehicle on his way from Suzma Qala district to the provincial capital late on Sunday.
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Governor Abdul Jabbar Haqbin told Pajhwok Afghan Salman Sharifi, deputy head of the provincial Independent News Nazari was contesting the April 5 provincial Election Commission (IEC), said the areas where people elections from Balkhab district. could not vote as per their choice would be declared as He had been taken to an unknown location, with local invalid votes. elders and security personnel trying to secure the Talking to Pajhwok Afghan News, he acknowledged rebels candidate’s release, the governor said. were using all tactics to disrupt poll process but reports An operation would be conducted for Nazari’s recovery if regarding collection of voter cards by gunmen were mere mediation efforts failed, Haqbin added. Four other rumours. individuals kidnapped along with the runner have been But Governor Sayyed Anwar Rahmati, confirmed he had freed. reports of forcible collecting of voters cards by gunmen in http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/election-runner- some parts of the province. kidnapped-sar-i-pul “Security forces will deal with those who are trying to interfere in the ballot affairs or threatening voters,” he Commanders forcibly collecting voter cards assured. By Pajhwok reporter Mar 31, 2014 - 14:29 http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/commanders- forcibly-collecting-voter-cards CHAGHCHARAN (Pajhwok): Local commanders and their gunmen are forcibly collecting voter cards from residents of western Ghor province, residents said on Monday. However, local officials promised stern action would be taken against those snatching cards from people or forcing them to vote against their choice. Residents claimed Mullah Mustafa in Shahrak and Mullah Fazal Ahad in Dolina districts had warned them not vote against their choice. Over 6,500 illegal gunmen and 3,500 Taliban are active in various parts of Ghor, challenging security and rule of law, according to local officials. Muhammad Naeem, a resident of the Kaminj locality of Shahrak district, said Mullah Mustafa had been forcing people to vote for a candidate of his choice. 4 campaigners of a candidate killed in Paktia Having 200 gunmen under his command, he warned to By Sahel Mangal Mar 31, 2014 - 14:38 punish those who did not obey his orders. The gunmen have so far collected 500 voter cards and those resisting GARDIZ (Pajhwok): Four campaigners of a provincial were beaten, Naeem added. candidate were killed in a roadside bombing in southeastern Najmuddin, another resident of Dolina district, Paktia province on Monday, an official said. One of the complained that Fazal Ahad, the uncle of Noor Ahmad victims was the brother of the provincial candidate, Fazal Karimi, a provincial council member, supported a Haq Jailan. The four individuals were killed by a roadside particular presidential runner. bomb in Shikhan locality of Paktia at around 10am, He claimed Ahad’s gunmen collected 70 voter cards from provincial police chief, Zalmai Orya Khail told Pajhwok the people in their village, especially women and did not Afghan News. He said the incident took place when the allow people to exercise their right to vote. motorcycles they were raiding hit a roadside bomb. Earlier, Ahad was accused of supporting Taliban and he Orya Khail said that the slain individuals were introduced to was the person who lashed two women and three boys in the Independent Election Commission (IEC) office to Dolina district that fueled serious concerns among human register as election observers. rights and civil society organizations. He directed the security forces to adopt all measures to Sher Ahmad, a resident of Daulatyar district, said some protect campaigners and election workers from militant parts of the town were under local commander Atta Mu- attacks. This was the first incident of its kind in the hammad’s control of local commander who was building strategically important Paktia province. Meanwhile, a pressure on poor people to vote in favour of a candidate provincial candidate was abducted by unidentified gunmen of his choice. in northern Sar-I-Pul province. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/4-campaigners- candidate-killed-paktia
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Thousands in Kapisa vow to support Hilal By Bakhtar Safi Mar 31, 2014 - 15:46 MAHMUD RAQI (Pajhwok): Thousands of people on Persons with disabilities demands facilitation in the Monday in northeastern Kapisa province announced support polling process for presidential contender Qutbuddin Hilal. By Pajhwok Report Mar 31, 2014 - 14:48 Haji Mohammad Asif, candidate for provincial council, told the gathering that people of his province wanted Islamic Representatives of persons with disabilities have system in the country and they had decided to vote in favour demanded the independent election commission to of Hilal. provide necessary facilities for the people with disabilities He said Hilal would offer greater role to Mujahedeen in the in the polling stations and make the polling stations government once he was elected as president of the country. accessible. They also asked the presidential runners to Qazi Najibullah, another speaker, asked Hilal to help specify their agenda about them. These demands were develop Kapisa after he won the presidential polls. made by the persons with disabilities during an advocacy Speaking on the occasion, Hilal said t people of Kapisa, meeting held by the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan Parwan and Panjsher had greater role in Jihad and served in Mazar-e-Sharif. The Rehabilitation of Afghans with Afghanistan. He would specifically focus to resolve Disabilities (RAD) programme of SCA had organized the problems of the people of the three provinces. meeting. Referring to the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with Representatives of Disabled Peoples Organizations the US, he said no president could ink the deal without the (DPO) from Balkh, Samangan and Jawzjan participated consent of the nation. in the advocacy meeting. The objective of the meeting Once elected as president of Afghanistan, he would step up was to engage people with disabilities in the coming efforts to bring progress, prosperity and development to the presidential and provincial council elections. country. The Afghan presidential elections are scheduled to be http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/thousands-kapisa- held 5th of April next week. vow-support-hilal Director of Afghanistan Human Rights in the north zone Qazi Sayed Mohammad Sameh read out the statement which demanded the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to carry out their activities as per the electoral law article II to facilitate the persons with disabilities take part in the election process, the IEC should also ensure the polling station accessible to the persons with disabilities.
They also demanded preparation of election campaign Ahmadzai promises development projects for Faryab and electoral education programs to be prepared in sign By Qutbuddin Kohi Mar 31, 2014 - 15:54 languages. MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Dr. Ashraf http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/persons- Ghani Ahmadzai on Monday promised to convert the poor disabilities-demands-facilitation-polling-process northwestern Faryab province to a hub of agricultural and economic land and implement projects if he won the April 5 vote.
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Speaking to thousands of his supporters in Maimana, the to share their reports, articles, photos, ideas and videos about provincial capital, Ahmadzai said Faryab was a rich the polls. Via social media, the news agency aims to enable province in natural resources and he would take measures people to share information regarding the ballot. One key to extract the underground precious if he won the objective is to give due coverage to popular perceptions elections. Ahmadzai added he would connect Faryab about the democratic exercise, rigging, fraud and other province with a railway network with the neighboring anomalies in far-flung areas. PAN seeks to evolve a credible Turkmenistan to Aqina, Hairatan and Sher Khan Ports of mechanism for forging coordination among election the country. He said he would invest in constructing monitors and observers. Faryab’s Aqina dry port connected to the neighboring Pajhwok also intends to establish an online information Turkmenistan, and would revive Khwaja Qachi port centre for international monitors and researchers. which had used for commercial transportation and In fact, the project is all about election monitoring by the importation with Turkmenistan in the past. people, according to Director of Pajhwok Afghan Danish He said construction of Almar water dam, Badghis ring Karokhel, who said 65 journalists of the news agency and road connecting Faryab and Herat provinces, and 500 freelancers were working diligently to report rigging promoting carpets’ industry were among his top priorities. and irregularities. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/ahmadzai- “Our main audience is Afghans. Our major objective is to promises-development-projects-faryab increase public awareness about election and unmask those who are trying to commit fraud,” remarked Karokhel. Police detain PC member in Zabul He asked international election observers and the By Bashir Ahmad Naadem Mar 31, 2014 - 15:58 Independent Election Complaints Commission (IECC) to QALAT (Pajhwok): Security officials in southern Zabul utilise information on the page. “Realising the fact that most province on Monday arrested a provincial council international observers won’t be able to watch polls across candidate on legal charges, an official said Monday. Afghanistan, Pajhwok deems it appropriate to highlight Col. Ghulam Sakhi Rogh Lawanai, provincial police fraud,” Karokhel continued. chief, confirmed arresting Mohammad Yaqoob, citing Media outlets were neither supposed to lodge electoral legal charges. complaints nor interested in doing so, he said, urging the Pajhwok Afghan News could not contact Yaqoob or his IECC and civil society to take action when fraud was family members to know the real picture of his detention, reported. despite repeated attempts. Meanwhile, IECC Chairman Abdul Sattar Sadat hailed the http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/police-detain-pc Pajhwok initiative as a positive and effective effort at raising -member-zabul public awareness and checking the use of unfair means. Link: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/03/31/pajhwok- launches-webpage-poll-fraud
Pajhwok launches webpage on poll fraud By Muhammad Hassan Khitab Mar 31, 2014 - 20:57 KABUL (Pajhwok): Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) on Monday launched an independent and neutral webpage (www.afghansvote.af) to encourage people’s participation in the landmark presidential and provincial council elections and report attempts at manipulation. The site offers all people the opportunity
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