IEC ready to hold run-off vote if needed

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Thursday said it was fully prepared to hold a second round run-off election if necessary, saying the run-off would be free from any legal and technical problems.

More than seven million people cast votes in Saturday’s presidential and provincial council elections.  

The IEC started tallying votes on April 6, a day after the voting came to a close, a process that would continue until April 20, with a final tally not expected until mid-May.

The commission has reportedly entered into its data system more than 45 percent of ballots cast and a partial vote count cannot be released until at least 20 of 34 total provinces are counted.

Under the election law, if none of the presidential hopefuls secures 50 percent plus one vote, the election goes to a second round between two toped-rated candidates.  

Unofficial results suggest none of the presidential contenders will be able to secure the required number of votes.

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