Poll process: Karzai reaffirms neutrality

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Hamid Karzai on Monday reiterated his administration’s neutrality on the issue of the April presidential elections.

At a Cabinet meeting in Kabul, Karzai said supporters of no presidential runner should give the impression that he backed any particular candidate.

He directed all government servants, particularly governors and ministers, not to allow the use of the state machinery in favour any contender.

In a statement from his office, the president acknowledged government officials’ right to have their opinion about candidates.

But government resources could not be used in any way for or against presidential candidates, he maintained, calling fair and transparent elections a key obligation of the government.

By the same token, supporters of no candidate had the right to tell people that they were a team enjoying presidential support, Karzai argued.

He reaffirmed his resolve to conduct transparent elections, saying foreign interference in the process would not be allowed under any circumstances.

pr/mud

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