325,000 observers to oversee elections: Nuristani

KABUL) on Thursday said it had taken the necessary measures to hold simultaneous presidential and provincial council polls, to be monitored by 325,000 domestic and international observers.

IEC Chairman Mohammed Yusuf Nuristani told a press conference in Kabul the number of observers was comparable to the 2009 elections. He said 67 local and 16 international organisations, 71 Afghan and 45 international media news outlets would watch the polls.

Representatives of 31 political parties, seven presidential and 2,028 provincial council runners will also oversee the process, according to Nuristani, who hoped their presence would help check fraud and irregularities. 

Urging candidates to respect the election results, he promised the panel would do its best to ensure transparency in the landmark vote, set for April 5.  

IEC Secretary Ziaul Haq Amarkhel noted a positive change in the active presence of candidates and people in the two-month election campaign that came to an end last night.

The use of quality election materials, hiring of professional staff and coordination with security forces are some of the key measures taken by the panel.

mud

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