Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) Weekly Election Coverage Newsletter, May 21-27

Plots being hatched to divide Afghans: Abdullah Massoud pledges support to Ahmadzai By Muhammad Hassan Khetab May 21, 2014 - 19:09 By Azizullah Hamdard May 22, 2014 - 11:18

KABUL (Pajhwok): Frontrunner Dr. (Pajhwok): Former vice-president Ahmad Zia on Wednesday warned many plots were being hatched to Massoud on Thursday formally announced support to create differences among the Afghans on ethnic lines, presidential contender Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the saying such attempts would not be allowed to succeed. second round of the ballot. Addressing a gathering, where the Youth Zia Massoud pledged support to Ahmadzai at a meeting Solidarity Party’s head Jamil Karzai joined his camp, attended by the two leaders and members of the electoral Abdullah said those trying to fuel ethnic divisions among team at the Loya Jirga tent in Kabul. the Afghans would not be able to achieve their goals. A brother of assassinated jihadi hero Ahmad Shah “Many plots are underway; those who want to fuel Massoud, Zia Massoud has been the running mate of regional, tribal and ethnic differences should know that ex-foreign minister Dr. in the April 5 polls. such efforts will not come to fruition in Afghanistan,” the With the process heading to the second round, a number of former foreign minister added. political figures and first- round runners are joining forces He said strong-willed people, who discharged their with the two leading contenders. responsibility by thronging polling stations on April 5, Dr. Rassoul and Gul Agha Sherzai have already announced would again make history on June 14. support for Abdullah. Ahmadzai and Abdullah will contest If elected, Abdullah promised to work honestly to take the second round scheduled for June 14. forward the national reconciliation process, with a clear http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/22/massoud-pledges- policy guaranteeing a bright future for Afghans. support-ahmadzai He continued he had shared his views with the electoral 3-week campaign kicks off bodies about reforms and further legalising the electoral By Meer Agha Nasrat Samimi May 21, 2014 - 17:40 process. He is awaiting their response. About Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai’s recent statement, KABUL (Pajhwok): Amid security concerns, three-week Abdullah said: “This is a kind of fun ahead of canvassing for the runoff election between Dr. Abdullah electioneering. I don’t feel any need to prove my Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai began on credentials about Islamic studies and people know what Thursday. In line with the law and the timeline announced the matter is.” Ghani has invited Abdullah to a televise by the panel, the presidential candidates could open their debate on religious studies. campaign from 12 midnight, the Independent Election Jamil Karzai, a relative of President Karzai and a former Commission (IEC) spokesman told reporters in Kabul. Wolesi Jirga member, said they planned joining forces Noor Mohammad Noor hoped both runners would eschew with Abdullah in the runoff, pending an overall evaluation breaking the laws. The campaign will end on June 11 -- 24 of the situation. hours before polling day. http://www.pajhwok.com Page 1 http://www.elections.pajhwok.com/www.vote.af

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Having 16 chapters and 80 articles, the Electoral Law was endorsed by President on July 20 after its approval by parliament. Also in today’s meeting, the lawmakers had urged government to take practical measures against cross-border attacks from Pakistani troops. If the government was unable to resolve the problem, people should be allowed to defend their motherland. Second Deputy Speaker Mohammad Saleh Saljooqi said the government should bring clarity to its foreign policy and address the challenges and problems facing the country.

Wolesi Jirga ponders amendment to Election Law By Abasin Zaheer May 21, 2014 - 16:36

KABUL (Pajhwok): Lawmakers on Wednesday suggested two conditions, including graduation, for Wolesi Jirga (lower house) candidates should be added to the Election Law. They proposed a Wolesi Jirga runner should either be a graduate or a member of the house for one term -- five years. Fifteen legislators demanded the addition of one sentence to Article 14 of the law. Deputy Speaker Siddique Ahmad Osmani, who chaired the session, said they would consider the suggestion trying to scuttle run-off: NDS regarding the additional conditions for candidates. By Azizullah Hamdard May 21, 2014 - 17:39 Article 14 of the Election Law says a person who runs for or is appointed as a member of the National Assembly, KABUL (Pajhwok): The National Directorate of Security shall be an Afghan citizen or shall have ob- (NDS) deputy chief on Wednesday alleged Pakistan was tained the citizenship of Afghanistan at least 10 years trying to sabotage the run-off election due on June 14. before the day of candidacy. Gen. Hasamuddin Hassam levelled the allegation at a The candidate should not have been convicted of crimes meeting which was attended by officials of the Independent against humanity and felony or deprived of civil rights by Election Commission (IEC), Ministry of Interior (MoI) and court. He/she should be 25 years old on the day of Ministry of Defence (MoD). candidacy. Gen. Hassam said Pakistan wanted to harass the ordinary But a public representative from central Parwan province, Afghans by firing volleys of rockets and missiles into Abdul Sattar Khawasi, said the Wolesi Jirga could not Afghanistan and aiding militant activities ahead of the amend the law in the last year of its tenure. crucial vote. Article 109 of the Constitution says: “Proposals for Minister of Interior Omar Daudzai voiced his concern over amendments to the electoral law cannot be included in the cross-border incursions by Pakistani forces. He said agenda of the assembly during the last year of the legisla- Pakistan recently fired rockets into Paktika, Kunar and tive period.” Khost provinces. The last year of the Wolesi Jirga’s term will commence on June 22. Osmani said they had one month’s time to IEC Chairman Mohammad Yousaf Nuristan asked security debate amendments to the law. forces to ensure their neutrality in the election process. The Finally, lawmakers agreed on including the issue in the panel had taken steps to prevent the mistakes committed in agenda for the next session. It would be debated at the the first round of elections. commission level and recommendations would be http://www.pajhwok.com/en/ 2014/05/21/pakistan-trying- presented to the general session, Osmani said. scuttle-run-nds

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Fire fraud-tainted staff, IEC offices told despite challenges. But holding the runoff vote would be By Pajhwok reporter May 21, 2014 - 18:37 more challenging, he added. An ex-ambassador, Daudzai said armed rebels went to their KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election hideouts across the border in the winter. Trained and Commission (IEC) on Wednesday asked its provincial equipped there, they returned in the summer season. The heads to fire the workers who failed to maintain neutrality ’s anti-government operations have escalated with during the first round of presidential elections on April 5. the approach of the spring. IEC heads from all 34 provinces attended the first day of a He acknowledged: “Rebel attacks have increased, as many two-day workshop that began at the commission’s foreign fighters have infiltrated into the country to disrupt headquarters in Kabul. the election process. But people should know that they Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel told the provincial chiefs to (insurgents) cannot sabotage the process.” appoint impartial people to their offices and replace those Daudzai added people intended to elect their next president who had committed irregularities in the previous round. by demonstrating their interest in the form of a massive The workshop is aimed at preventing reoccurrence of turnout in the first round of polls, with security forces mistakes and shortcomings during the runoff presidential warding off insurgent threats. race due on June 14. The minister said provincial officials had pledged not to Amarkhel said some powerful individuals, local warlords spare any effort to ensure security and foil fraud attempts. and illegal armed group commanders had interfered in the Weaknesses and strengths of security forces, especially April 5 elections and some impartial IEC workers had police, came up for discussion at a recent meeting, he sided with candidates. recalled. Keeping in view the past mistakes and experience, he said, According to Daudzai, 748 polling centres remained closed they would not let those things recur, asking provincial in the previous polls and 205 more centres had been added IEC chiefs to strengthen cooperation and coordination to the list on election day. Most of closed sites had weather with local officials, civil society representatives and and security problems. international observers. A joint security team would start its assessment next week Amarkhel said the April 5 presidential and provincial to ascertain how many polling centres would open on the council elections were a great achievement in the face of voting day, he explained. so many challenges. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/22/runoff-will-be- http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/21/fire-fraud-tainted more-challenging-daudzai -staff-iec-offices-told Abdullah ready for televised debate with Ghani By Khawaja Basir fitri May 22, 2014 - 18:41

KABUL (Pajhwok): Embarking on his runoff election campaign, frontrunner Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday said he was ready for a televised debate with his main challenger Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. Ahmadzai, who finished second in the first round of presidential elections, has invited Abdullah to a televised debate on their future programmes and Islamic knowledge.Abdullah told his maiden campaign rally in Kabul that debate was part of electioneering and he was ready to participate in a debate to be aired by multiple media outlets. Runoff will be more challenging: Daudzai However, Abdullah on Wednesday called Ahmadzai’s By Muhammad Hassan Khetab May 22, 2014 - 18:23 challenge a joke, saying: “I don’t see any need to prove my religious credentials because people know what the real KABUL (Pajhwok): The minister of interior on Thursday issue is?” said the second round of presidential polls would be more But today he said: “If the people and media outlets ask for challenging, claiming foreign militants had sneaked into an earnest debate, I am at their service.” He added the Afghanistan to disrupt the process. At a news conference debate should be covered by all media outlets because he in Kabul, said the first round of elections on April 5 was held in a peaceful environment needed time for his election campaign.

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The 20-day electioneering for the runoff presidential Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the runoff ballot due on June elections due on June 14 kicked off on Thursday. 14 . The assurance of support came at a gathering held at the Abdullah said he had never committed demagoguery and residence of Ahmadzai in Kabul. Hundreds of Ahmadzai had always explained his programmes honestly to the tribe elders participated in the meeting. nation. Eng. Ahmadzai, a former minister and head of the Iqtidar-i- He urged the people to throng polling stations and cast Islami Afghanistan party, addressed the meeting. He said their votes in the same spirit they showed on April 5. He Ahmadzai had the capability to put the country on the right said his team represented all sections of society and was track and ensure peace, security and development of committed to the rule of law, peace, stability, security and Afghanistan. reconstruction. Dr. Abdul Wali Ahmadzai, on behalf of elders from the Abdullah also cited a long list of problems and future tribe, said they had decided to back the ex-finance minister plans which he would implement if won the runoff. “We after weeks of consultations. secured most votes from women on the April 5, and we For his part, the former World Bank economist thanked the have special programme for them if we win.” tribe for its support and said he would do all he could to “We are starting as of today our visits to provinces to measures up to the expectations and hopes the nation had explain our plans to people,” the former foreign minister pinned on him. said, vowing to establish a government accountable to the Separately, Ahmadzai’s campaign team in southeastern masses. Paktia province urged militants to shun violence and Stressing positive competition, Abdullah said they wanted support the candidate in the crucial runoff vote. the runoff to be conducted in a fair, transparent and http://www.pajhwok.com/en/ 2014/05/23/ex-jihadi-leader- inclusive manner, asking the electoral commissions to do supports-ahmadzai their job with honesty. “We have shared our views and suggestions, which are mostly reformative, with the electoral commissions to have a better runoff,” he added. Called the runoff a new experience for the people, he said his team was committed to ensuring justice, equality, reforms and peace, saying problems of Kuchi tribesmen and villagers would be resolved in a proper way. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/22/abdullah-ready- televised-debate-ghani

Sayyaf wants runners to cement national unity By Pajhwok Report May 23, 2014 - 17:32

KABUL (Pajhwok): Leading religious scholar and jihadi leader Abdur Rab Rassoul Sayyaf on Friday urged the two presidential candidates to spell out their programmes solidarity among the people and territorial integrity of the country. “I believe that you (the presidential runners) -- like other Afghans -- are interested in peace, stability and national unity,” Sayyaf said in a statement, stressing clear plans for national harmony. Recent testy exchanges between Ex-jihadi Leader supports Ahmadzai supporters of Dr. Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai not By Muhammad Hassan Khetab May 23, 2014 - 16:23 hurt the dignity of their leaders, but also lacerated the KABUL (Pajhwok): Former jihadi Leader Eng. Ahmad sentiments of those who desired national unity and Shah Ahmadzai and other elders of his tribe on Friday solidarity, he observed. announced support to presidential contender

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One of the 11 contenders in the first round of the vote on Candidates warned of disqualification April 5, he believed fueling ethnic, linguistic and regional By Hassan Khitab May 24, 2014 - 17:21 tensions would have serious repercussions for the war-weary nation. KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election (IEC) on “My sincere and friendly advice to both candidates and Saturday warned presidential runners of disqualification if their supporters is to respect Afghanistan’s integrity, they trampled on relevant laws. national unity, solidarity among different ethnic IEC spokesman Noor Muhammad told reporters in Kabul communities and religious values,” he concluded. both presidential hopefuls should avoid raking up ethnic http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/23/sayyaf-wants- and religious issues during their campaigns. runners-cement-national-unity He asked the contenders and their campaign managers to canvass keeping in view the election laws and rules. In case of violations, the IEC reserved the right to disqualify any candidate, he added. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/24/candidates-warned -disqualification 40pc of IEC employees in Takhar fired By Pajhwok reporter May 24, 2014 - 19:14

TALOQAN (Pajhwok): An official of the provincial Independent Election Commission (IEC) said on Saturday 40 percent of employees had been sacked for failing to demonstrate neutrality in the April 5 elections. Fuelling racism intolerable: Abdullah In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, IEC By Sahel Mangal May 24, 2014 - 17:06 Director Roohullah Mosawi said a committee had been tasked to investigate employees involved in fraud. Most of GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Leading Presidential candidate Dr. the 50 workers found guilty had been fired. Abdullah Abdullah on Saturday made clear no one would “Yes, we have sacked 50 employees, regional organisers be allowed to spread linguistic and ethnic fanaticism or whose hiring was based on compromise. Other employees frictions among the Afghans. could continue with their jobs,” the official explained. Addressing a mammoth gathering in connection with his He believed a surge in polling sites for the July 14 runoff poll campaign in southeastern Paktika province, Abdullah vote would help residents of far-off areas participate in the urged thousands of people to vote for his team for the elections without any hassle. sake of reforms and security. But civil society activist Shafiqi Shujaee alleged most of the election commission employees were involved in fraud. He promised to create job opportunities for the people of He urged the IEC to pave the ground for fair polls. the strategically important province. If elected to power, http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/24/40pc-iec- he will build the Machalgho power dam and declare employees -takhar-fired Paktia a first-grade province. Militants' surrender to bolster poll security “I have all respect for ethnicities, religions and languages. By Hadi Ghafari May 25, 2014 - 14:30 I will not allow anyone to trample on the rights of any tribe or ethnic group if I win the election,” he reiterated. BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): With the surrender of 20 Abdul Rehman Mangal, Abdullah’s campaign manager in militants, polling sites that previously faced threats would the province, said that ex-foreign minister enjoyed more become secure in central Bamyan province, an official support in Paktika than his rival. hoped on Saturday. Mohammad Sadiq Ali Yar, head of the peace committee, lauded the group for shunning violence Abdullah’s victory would spur development projects in and joining the peace process. He said the ongoing the province, he said, urging people to cast their vote in insurgency was legalising the presence of foreign troops in favour of him. the country. During the April 5 elections, voting at three http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/24/fuelling-racism- polling sites in Ashpishta and Khamard districts in Bamyan intolerable-abdullah and Tala and Barfak districts in Baghlan could not take place due to militant attacks.

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PC members warn of boycotting runoff in Mazar-i-Sharif, the gathering stressed creation of By Gul Mohammad Tanha May 25, 2014 - 14:50 awareness among the masses about the upcoming ballot. Zuhra Zia, who heads the NGO’s oversight and training FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Calling preliminary results section, told Pajhwok Afghan News the gathering was unfair, protesting provincial council candidates in aimed at telling the people how much important the runoff northeastern Badakhshan province on Sunday warned of election was for Afghanistan’s future. boycotting the presidential runoff. She said their aim was to encourage people into Provincial council preliminary results were announced by participating in the elections. She said they had organised the Independent Election Commission (IEC) five days similar gatherings in the run-up to the April 5 elections in ago. Of 118 runners from Badakhshan, 15 including four 14 provinces and had positive results. females won provincial council seats. It was their maiden gathering concerning the runoff But those who failed ballot slammed the initial results as elections in Balkh, she said, adding they would spread their unfair, calling for a recount of votes. Saadullah Abo message using brochures, journals and written texts in Aman, one of the protestors, alleged massive fraud in provinces, where they could not hold gatherings due to Badakhshan, where IEC employees stuffed ballot boxes insecurity. in favour of certain candidates. Through such gatherings, she said, they wanted to He urged the election commission to recount the ballots in encourage more and more women into taking part in the the interest of transparency and respect for people’s elections. mandate. Religious scholar Maulvi Mohammadullah, who attended His colleague, Saira Saba Alamyar, said: “I obtained the gathering, said the importance of ballot was clearly 2,562 votes, while our rivals who were not expected to defined in Islam, which had paved the ground for Muslims grab even 1,000, bagged 4,000 through fraud. This to participate. showed massive rigging.” Another participant, Shahla, told Pajhwok Afghan News At the end of the protest, they issued a joint statement, such awareness-creating gatherings were crucial to ensuring saying: “We will boycott the second round of presidential increased turnout. elections, slated for June 14, if our legal demands are not She said the participants should pass on the messages they met.” learnt to residents of their restive villages. But Badakhshan IEC officials say the preliminary results http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/balkh-gathering- were announced by their main office in Kabul and they highlights-runoff-importance could not interfere in the process. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/pc-members- FEFA links ballot papers shortfall to fraud warn-boycotting-runoff By Pajhwok reporter May 25, 2014 - 19:16

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Free and Fair Election Foundation of Afghanistan (FEFA) on Sunday asked the electoral body to establish additional polling stations for the runoff election and review reasons for ballot paper shortages during the first round." height="1" width="1"> In its findings, FEFA said the Independent Election Commission (IEC) had established over 20,000 polling stations nationwide on April 5 but the stations proved not enough to allow all voters access to the sites. In most populated areas, the watchdog said, voters had been unable to cast votes due to shortage of ballot papers. “According to voting procedures, 600 ballot papers must be Balkh gathering highlights runoff importance available in each polling station. The casting process By Zabihullah Ihsas May 25, 2014 - 18:02 shouldn’t take more than a minute because 9 hours for the whole 600 papers are required to be used in a normal pace,” MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Civil society activists on the FEFA said in a statement. Sunday held a gathering in the capital of northern Balkh It said shortfall of ballots in early hours of voting could be and highlighted the importance of the runoff presidential ambiguous in its own nature and measures taken by the IEC elections due on June 14. Organised by the in this regard required a thorough evaluation. non-governmental organisation “Assistance and Fast

Development”

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Ghani promises to make Massoud 3rd VP By Ahmad Quraishi May 25, 2014 - 21:01

KABUL (Pajhwok): Presidential candidate Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Sunday said would be appointed as a third-vice president by amending the Constitution if he won the runoff presidential race. Ghani told reporters in Kabul that he had signed a 10-article agreement with Massoud on the issue of amending the Constitution to pave the way for his appointment as third VP. Under the Article 1 of the agreement, Ghani said he had agreed to amend the Constitution to increase the presence of prominent political and tribal figures in his Rassoul’s chief campaigner switches sides administration. By Pajhwok Report May 25, 2014 - 20:57 Based on the accord, a third vice-president post would be created with a specific mandate and would be added to the (Pajhwok): Chief campaigner for Zalmai Constitution under another agreement with the Parliament Rassoul during the April 5 presidential elections in or a Loya Jirga. eastern Nangarhar province on Sunday declared support The decision to convene a Loya Jirga would be taken to frontrunner Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. shortly after the president’s swearing-in ceremony and until The announcement was made at a gathering, where a that time, the third vice-president would be appointed number of religious scholars and Sikh community through a legislative decree. members voiced their support for Ghani in the runoff http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/ghani-promises- election due on June 14. make-massoud-3rd-vp Participants said they were optimistic that the turnout in the second round of elections would be higher than the Don’t fuel tensions, Nuristani tells runners previous round in eastern provinces. By Meer Agha Nasrat Samimi May 25, 2014 - 21:13 Haji Amir Khan Yar, who represents Nangarhar in the Wolesi Jirga, said he would support Ashraf Ghani in the KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission runoff. Yar was chief campaigner for Zalmai Rassoul in chairman on Sunday asked the presidential runners to run Nangarhar in the previous round. their campaigns within the framework of relevant laws and Rassoul, a former foreign minister, who finished third in avoid raking up issues that might fuel tensions. the presidential race, has joined forces with leading Ahmad Yousaf Nuristani told a news conference in Kabul candidate Abdullah Abdullah. that both candidates Dr. Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani should “I support Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai because he worth it. seek votes on the basis of their programmes for promoting The elections showed the masses want Ghani,” Yar said. good governance and economic growth. Azizullah Din, a member of Ghani’s campaign team, He urged the contenders to respect religious beliefs, rule of asked the people to widely participate in the runoff law and established customs in their campaign for the June election. 14 runoff vote. He called for them to eschew raising divi- Sikh community leader Dr. Amir Singh said they would sive religious, ethnic and linguistic issues. support Ghani in the second round. “We are Afghans and “For the sake of strengthening the spirit of unity and avoid- will participate in the elections.” ing differences, both should explain their programmes and Hundreds of people attended the gathering. Religious priorities to the masses. They should desist from … offend- scholars, who spoke on the occasion, called Ashraf Ghani ing the people and using provocative language,” the IEC a preferred choice. head stressed. Abdullah and Ghani recently traded hot words and allega- http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/rassoul%E2% tions of fraud in the election. Abdullah discounted Sib- 80%99s-chief-campaigner-switches-sides ghatullah Mujaddedi’s support to Ghani, who in turn ac- cused his rival of having a violent background. Similarly, he hinted at strict observation of the voting pro- cess to thwart attempts at rigging.

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He recalled around 35,000 observers had been issued Meetings conducted by DI’s Core Team have included cards during the first round of polls but 30 percent of them principals at the Independent Election Commission (IEC), had no presence at polling sites. the Independent Election Complaints Commission (IECC), Observers played a critical role in foiling bids to commit political parties and candidate campaigns, domestic irregularities, he acknowledging, hoping that efforts were observation and civil society organizations, government made not to repeat flaws done in the first round of officials, diplomats, other international election observers elections. and representatives from the international community. The IEC would give 25,000 cards to each candidate, he A signatory to the Declaration of Principles for said, adding creation of 3,500 new polling sites was under International Election Observation and the consideration. Total strength of polling sites will reach Code of Conduct for International Election Observers, DI 23,313. will conduct its mission in accordance with these principles, In addition, he said the IEC had sacked and blacklisted the statement said. 5,488 employees involved in fraud. The decision to fire DI’s observers include election experts, regional experts, the tainted employees was taken to ensure transparency in and development and political professionals from around the runoff vote, he said. the world will witness all phases of the electoral process in He said that a number of names of those government accordance with the Declaration of Principles until the final officials who interfered in the election process had been results were announced. sent to the presidential palace for action against them. “The mission expects to issue a final report in the weeks The IEC had conveyed its reservations to security after the electoral process concludes.” agencies with regard to elections and they had promised DI provides analytical services, technical assistance, and fool-proof security. project implementation for democracy and governance pro- http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/don%E2%80% grams worldwide. 99t-fuel-tensions-nuristani-tells-runners Since its founding in 2003, DI has worked in 70 countries. DI has conducted election observation missions and election-assistance programs in Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ghana, Indonesia, Liberia, Pakistan, Sudan and South Sudan. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/25/di-observe-2nd- round-presidential-vote

DI to observe 2nd round of presidential vote By Pajhwok Reporter May 25, 2014 - 22:29

KABUL (Pajhwok): The US-based Democracy International (DI) is deploying a team of international election experts and observers to Afghanistan’s upcoming presidential run-off election. “DI will deploy its observers to provinces across the country during the pre-election period, election day, and Election awareness campaign for women sought the initial vote tabulation at polling stations … the entire By Abdul Maqsood Azizi May 26, 2014 - 15:03 election process, including the vote-tallying and complaints adjudication processes of the June 14 run-off PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): Director of women affairs in election,” the DI said in a statement. central Logar province on Monday demanded launching an Previously, the statement was erroneously attributed to inclusive awareness campaign to ensure greater the US Embassy. participation of women in the presidential runoff vote. DI established its observation mission in early February, In her interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Shima Zargar and has since been in constant contact with relevant said local tradition was a stumbling block hampering stakeholders in Kabul and in provinces across the country, women folk from casting their vote in the election. the statement said.

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During the last elections, dozens of instances could be “If there are contradictions in statements from the found in which male members did not allow their female spokespersons and governors, people’s confidence in to cast vote. security forces will be damaged. It will be in interest of the “A very small number of women from Azri, Khwarwar enemy,” he continued. and Charkh districts took part in the April 5 polls,” she Defence Ministry spokesperson Zahir Azimi also said the lamented. militants had launched propaganda, but security forces were With the support of Independent Election Commission in a good position to counter it. (IEC), she urged services of media, civil society networks, The Independent Election Commission (IEC) said it had religious leaders and tribal elders should be employed to shared the list of polling stations with security forces. create awareness regarding importance of women vote in http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/security-lapses- the election. challenge-runoff-idlg “If a campaign for women awareness is launched then it will multiply women participation in the ballot process,” she hoped. Haji Gul Mohammad, a local from provincial capital, acknowledged women had little participation in the last election. “No one in our area allowed women to go to polling station and cast their vote,” he added. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/election- awareness-campaign-women-sought

Nasiri tribe vows support to Ahmadzai By Khwaja Basir Fitri May 26, 2014 - 17:05

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Nasiri tribal council of southern Ghazni province on Monday announced support to Security lapses challenge to runoff: IDLG presidential runner Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in the By Azizullah Hamdard May 26, 2014 - 17:00 runoff polls. KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Directorate of Lo- At a gathering attended by hundreds of people in Kabul, the cal Governance (IDLG) on Monday called the runoff council head, Haji Najibullah Nasiri, said his tribe had presidential vote challenging, warning militants might decided to back Ahmadzai, who was a man of principle and foment trouble in case of major security lapses. competence. Addressing a meeting of ministries’ spokespersons, pro- He added his tribe would support Ahmadzai’s team in the vincial governors and police chiefs, IDLG deputy head larger interest of the country. “Once we used our fingers to Abdul Mateen Baig said the militants were preparing to pull the trigger and defend our motherland. Now we will avenge their defeat during the first round of elections. use the same finger to reshape the fate of our country.” “We should not say the first round was successful; instead Other members of the council urged Ahmadzai to forge we should strive to prevent insurgents’ propaganda and to unity, build peace, strengthen the economy, create defeat them once again,” he remarked, stressing strong employment opportunities and develop the country’s ailing coordination among ministries’ spokesperson and security education sector if he was elected as president. organs. Ahmadzai assured the gathering he would delegate powers In an attempt to win public confidence, Baig asked the to people at the grassroots level if he was elected as head of spokespersons to dish out unified messages. state. Interior Ministry spokesman Siddique Siddiqui said 85 Calling fraud and rigging the enemy number one of the percent of Taliban’s propaganda was focused on eroding democratic process, he asked supporters to closely monitor people’s trust in the security forces. He asked provincial the election process. spokespersons to avoid making remarks on security in- http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/nasiri-tribe-vows- dents without coordination with their seniors. support-ahmadzai

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Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

Around 3,000 complaints had been received by IECC, which would be investigated in six days, IEC spokesman Nader Mohseni told reporters in Kabul. Mohseni urged provincial council candidates to present complete documents during complaint hearings. The meetings would be open and everyone could attend, he added. The IEC official said every zone had been allocated one day. But complaints from the south and southeastern zone will be investigated in two days. He said the watchdog would convey its final decision on complaints to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on June 2. On May 20, IEC announced the preliminary results after a three days delay. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/hearing-election- complaints-31st Mahmud Karzai, scores of MPs back Abdullah By Pajhwok reporter May 26, 2014 - 19:16

KABUL (Pajhwok): Mahmud Karzai, President Hamid Karzai’s brother, and several parliamentarians on Monday announced support to Dr. Abdullah in the June 14 runoff. Addressing a gathering here, Mahmud Karzai said he had joined Abdullah’s camp for the sake of national unity and political and economic stability of Afghanistan. He cited unemployment and a weak economy as grave problems, saying that Abdullah’s team had a comprehensive plan to address the problems. Domestic power generation, road and railway construction, development of the agriculture sector and construction of townships were Karzai’s condition for supporting Abdullah. Several members of the Wolesi Jirga and Meshrano Jirga also lent their weight to Abdullah. About 110 Wolesi Pashayee tribe promises support to Ahmadzai Jirga members and 66 senators announced supporting By Mahbob Shah Mahbob May 27, 2014 - 15:52 him. Senator Nisar Hares, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Supportive of Zalmai Rassoul in said they would back Abdullah in the runoff. He claimed the April 5 vote, the Pashayee tribe in the eastern zone on the candidate would an outright winner and his team Tuesday announced to back Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in would be able to tackle challenges. the second round of the presidential polls. Abdullah read out the names of the parliamentarians and The tribe made the decision at a well-attended meeting in prominent political figures who have announced support Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province. Tribal to him. elder Noor Agha Malikzai said the Pashayees would vote http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/26/mahmud-karzai- for Ahmadzai on June 14. scores-mps-back-abdullah He recalled the tribe had supported Rassoul in the last Hearing of election complaints from 31st election but would back Ahmadzai in the runoff. “A By Mohammad halim Karimi May 27, 2014 - 15:27 number of elders are here to demonstrate support to Ahmadzai. I’m doing so on behalf of my tribe.” KABUL (Pajhwok): The independent Electoral Ahmadzai was a man of high calibre and international Complaints Commission (IECC) will start probing stature, he noted, saying the tribe had held a series of complaints against provincial council results on May 31, consultative meetings before deciding to swing behind the an official said on Tuesday. candidate.

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Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

Losing PC runners take to the streets By Abdul Maqsud Azizi May 27, 2014 - 16:10

PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): Losing provincial council Former spymaster swings behind Abdullah candidates on Tuesday staged a protest in the capital of By Azizullah Hamdard May 27, 2014 - 16:53 central Logar province, accusing the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of fraud in tallying votes. KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Green Trend (AGT), Accompanied by their supporters, the candidates, whose led by Amarullah Saleh, on Tuesday announced support to names were missing from the list of winners in the Dr. Abdullah Abdullah in the runoff ballot on June 14. preliminary results, protested in front of the IEC office in After comprehensive consultations, the AGT decided to put Pul-i-Alam. its weight behind the team led by Abdullah, said Saleh, a Farzana Shansab, a losing candidate, told Pajhwok former National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief. Afghan News widespread fraud had been committed in He told a gathering in Kabul growing poverty, corruption the April 5 provincial council elections and people’s votes and ethnic differences were major problems faced by the had been disrespected. Afghans. He asked the reforms and unanimity team to “IEC officials had stuffed ballot boxes with fake votes in strive for overcoming the problems. return for money,” she alleged. Abdullah thanked AGT, saying he felt proud of having the Another failing candidate, Mohammad Nasir Ghairat, backing of talented youths. Earlier, other parties and who contested the elections from the Mohammad Agha members of parliament announced their support to district, claimed result sheets had been interfered with. Abdullah in the runoff vote. “A have a copy of the result sheet from a polling station. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/former-spymaster- The copy shows I have the most votes, but the current list swings-behind-abdullah shows I have the least votes from the same station. If it's not fraud then what is this?” IEC wants fraud-tainted officials fired Haji Mohammad Ibrahim, a resident of the Azra district, By Muhammad Hassan Khitab May 27, 2014 - 17:00 who took part in the protest, said people had voted in the elections by risking their lives, but their spirit had no KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission value with the election commission. (IEC) on Tuesday warned if the government failed to fire “My question is why fraud was committed,” asked the the officials allegedly involved in fraud and rigging, the disgruntled candidate, who on behalf other losing runners panel would have to make public their names. called for a recount of votes in order to separate Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, IEC Chairman fraudulent ballots from real ones. Muhammad Yousuf Nuristani claimed that the officials The protest that continued for two hours came to an end who committed electoral anomalies included some after provincial council deputy head Mohammad Hashim governors, security commanders and mayors. Faizi held talks with the protestors and promised to raise A list containing names and designations of such officials the issue with the authorities concerned. had been sent to the government, with a strong call for their But IEC head in Logar Nimatullah Wardak rejected the immediate removal from their posts, he added. If the presi- claims that fraud had been committed in vote tallying dent did not take action, he reserved the right to reveal their process. names, Nuristani argued. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/losing-pc- He acknowledged shortcomings during the April 5 vote but runners-take-streets said all preparations had been finalised for holding the June 14 runoff election in a free and fair manner.

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Pajhwok Afghan News Election Coverage Newsletter

IEC Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel said his department was committed to preventing a recurrence of the problems seen in the first round. Women, he said, could play a highly significant role in electing a new president. Despite multiple challenges during the first round, 36 percent of them voted. “This commission is ready to provide all available facilities to women they need. Services of women staff will be hired at polling sites for females,” he concluded. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/iec-wants-fraud- tainted-officials-fired

Amarkhel spurns Mohaqiq’s allegation By Mohammad Hassan Hakimi May 27, 2014 - 17:02

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) secretary on Tuesday rejected Muhammad Mohaqiq’s statement regarding election fraud as confusing and challenged him to present evidence. Mohaqiq -- Dr. Abdullah’s choice for 2nd vice-president, recently claimed the team of reforms and unanimity was an outright winner in the April 5 polls, but the IEC intentionally pushed the vote to the second round. Also a former parliamentarian, Mohaqiq said: “IEC Secretary Ziaul Haq has the ultimate power and whatever he wants, he can do.” But Amarkhel rejected the allegations, explaining that IEC employees performed their duties within the framework of clearly-defined rules and regulations. He asked Mohaqiq to present evidence in support of his allegations, and not to make baseless claims that fuelled confusion. http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2014/05/27/amarkhel-spurns -mohaqiq%E2%80%99s-allegation

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